From Offer to Closing: What the Full Home Buying Timeline Looks Like

For many buyers, getting an offer accepted feels like the finish line. In reality, it’s the beginning of the final phase of the home buying journey.

One of the most common questions buyers ask me is: “What happens next?”

Understanding the timeline from accepted offer to closing day helps you feel prepared and confident throughout the process. While every transaction is unique, most home purchases in Westchester County follow a fairly predictable sequence.

Here’s what you can expect.

Step 1: Offer Accepted (Day 0)

Once the seller accepts your offer, the property is typically marked accepted offer or under contract in the local MLS. This means the seller has agreed to your price and general terms.

However, in New York, an accepted offer is not legally binding yet. The deal becomes binding only after contracts are signed by both parties.

At this stage, your attorney and the seller’s attorney will begin preparing the formal contract.

Step 2: Attorney Review and Contract Preparation (3-7 Days)

In New York real estate transactions, attorneys play a major role.

During this phase:

The seller’s attorney prepares the contract.
Your attorney reviews it carefully.
Due diligence begins (reviewing title, property disclosures, building permits, etc.).

If any issues arise, the attorneys negotiate revisions before the contract is finalized.

Step 3: Home Inspection (Usually Within the First Week)

Most buyers schedule the home inspection immediately after the offer is accepted.

A licensed inspector evaluates the home’s major systems, including:

Roof
Foundation
Plumbing
Electrical
HVAC
Structural components

If the inspection reveals significant concerns, you may negotiate repairs or credits with the seller.

This step is critical because it gives you a clearer understanding of the property before you commit to the purchase.

Step 4: Contract Signing and Deposit (About 7-10 Days)

Once inspection issues are resolved and attorneys approve the contract:

You sign the contract.
You submit your earnest money deposit, typically about 10% of the purchase price in New York.

After the seller signs the contract as well, the home is officially under contract.

At this point, the deal becomes legally binding.

Step 5: Mortgage Application and Loan Processing (30-45 Days)

If you’re financing the purchase, the lender now begins the formal loan process.

This includes:

Submitting updated financial documentation
Credit verification
Income and employment checks
Asset verification
Loan underwriting

Your lender will also order an appraisal to confirm the property’s value supports the loan amount.

The underwriting process is often the longest part of the transaction.

Step 6: Appraisal and Mortgage Commitment

The appraisal determines whether the home’s value aligns with the purchase price.

If the appraisal comes in:

At or above the purchase price: the loan process continues normally.
Below the purchase price: you may need to renegotiate or adjust your financing.

Once underwriting is satisfied, the lender issues a mortgage commitment, confirming they are prepared to fund the loan.

Step 7: Title Search and Closing Preparation

While the mortgage is being finalized, your attorney conducts a title search to ensure the property has no outstanding legal claims or ownership disputes.

Your attorney will also coordinate with:

The lender
The seller’s attorney
The title company

Together they prepare the final documents needed for closing.

Step 8: Final Walkthrough (Usually 24-48 Hours Before Closing)

Before closing, you will do a final walkthrough of the home.

This ensures:

The property is in the same condition as when you agreed to purchase it.
Any negotiated repairs have been completed.
The seller has moved out (unless otherwise agreed).

It’s essentially your last chance to confirm everything is as expected.

Step 9: Closing Day

Closing day is when ownership officially transfers.

At closing you will:

Sign your mortgage and legal documents
Pay your closing costs
Transfer the remaining funds for the purchase

Once the documents are signed and funds are distributed, the deed is recorded and the home is officially yours.

And yes, this is when you finally receive the keys.

How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

In most cases, the timeline from accepted offer to closing in Westchester County is about:

45-60 days

However, this can vary depending on financing, inspections, and the complexity of the transaction.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home involves several moving parts, but when you understand the timeline, the process becomes far less overwhelming.

As your agent, my role is to guide you through each stage, coordinating with attorneys, lenders, inspectors, and the seller’s team to keep everything moving smoothly.

If you’re preparing to buy and want to understand exactly what the process will look like for your situation, I’m always happy to walk you through it step by step.

Call me, Jeselle at 646-421-4467 or email me at jeselle.eli@randrealty.com to get started.