🛠️ Step-by-Step: What Happens After Offer Acceptance

1. Get That Earnest Money In

Time to show you’re serious! You'll need to deposit your earnest money into escrow within 2 business days. Chicago Title will be holding the earnest money for your transaction. Click Here to see all the ways you could deposit your EM. If you write a check please make sure to put the address of the home your buying in the memo section. If you have any issues please reach out to me or them directly at 219-464-4871.

2. Schedule the Home Inspection 🕵️
We always recommend hiring a professional inspector. They'll check everything from the roof to the crawl space. Think of it as a “home health check-up.” If something comes up, don’t panic—it’s totally normal. We have 10 days to get your inspection done. If you need any help getting this set up please let me know but below are a list of our preferred home inspectors:

Hawk Home Inspection 219-730-5463

United Home Inspection 219-595-9580

3. Title Work📃

Myself and the other agent will immediately open escrow and order title with Chicago Title. What that means is, a file of our transaction gets created and the title company will issue an insurance policy for the owner and you (as required for your loan). These fees are predominantly what make up your closing costs. You will receive email communication from Chicago title regarding all closing information as well as an email with direct wire transfer instructions.

4. Finalize Your Loan Application 💰
I will make sure your lender has everything they need to start your mortgage approval. In the meantime they may reach out requesting additional financial documents from you, be ready to respond quickly—they love a punctual borrower that wants to keep things moving quickly!

5. Repairs & Negotiations 🔧
If your inspection revealed any issues, now's the time to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller. I as your agent will handle all of this for you. Our primary goal is to have significant issues addressed as well as safety related items and anything your lender might require ex. well and septic testing.

6. Home Appraisal Gets Ordered 🏡
Your lender will order an appraisal to make sure the home's value lines up with the loan. This is their way of just making sure you are not overpaying for your home. If you are using an FHA loan the appraiser might request additional things get fixed as a condition of your loan.

7. Final Loan Approval – AKA “Clear to Close!” ✅
Once your lender gives the all-clear, it's go time! This means the underwriter has reviewed everything and you’re ready to close.

8. Final Walkthrough 👀
Right before closing, you'll do a quick check to make sure the home is still standing and in the condition if not better than when you made the offer. This is also the time to make sure all your utilities are on and have been put into your name.

9. Closing Day – Sign, Smile, and Celebrate! 🖊️🥂
You'll sign a small tree’s worth of paperwork, get the keys, and officially become a homeowner. Break out the champagne!