Once you accept an offer, the sale goes into escrow: a neutral escrow or title company holds the documents and money until both sides have done their part. Much of the activity is on the buyer's side — their inspection, appraisal and loan — but sellers have a handful of jobs and deadlines too. Exact steps depend on your contract and your state, so your agent's timeline is the one to follow.
1. Offer accepted and escrow opened
Your agent sends the signed contract to escrow and the deadlines start counting. You'll usually be asked for basic information early: your contact details, current mortgage lender, and sometimes HOA details.
2. Disclosures
Sellers generally must disclose known issues with the home. Fill out the disclosure forms honestly and completely, and ask your agent if you're unsure whether something needs to be mentioned. Disclosing up front is far better than having it come up later.
3. The buyer's inspection
The buyer schedules an inspection, usually in the first week or two. Make the home accessible, leave utilities on, and clear access to the attic, crawlspace, electrical panel and water heater. Afterward the buyer may ask for repairs or a credit — your agent will help you decide whether to agree, counter or decline.
If you agree to repairs, keep receipts and use licensed contractors where required. The buyer will often check the work at the final walkthrough.
4. Appraisal
If the buyer is financing, their lender sends an appraiser to confirm the home's value. Have the home clean and accessible. If the appraisal comes in below the price, the parties may renegotiate — your agent will explain your options.
5. Title and your loan payoff
The title company checks for liens and arranges to pay off your mortgage and any other loans on the home from the sale proceeds. Respond quickly if they ask you to sign an authorization or clear up an old lien.
6. Plan your move
- Confirm in your contract when the buyer gets possession — at closing or on a later date.
- Book movers early, and schedule utility shut-off or transfer for the possession date.
- Don't cancel homeowners insurance until the sale has closed.
- Leave behind what the contract says stays with the home — fixtures, appliances, remotes, keys and garage openers.
7. Final walkthrough
A day or two before closing, the buyer visits to confirm the home is in the agreed condition and any repairs are done. Leave it clean and empty (unless agreed otherwise).
8. Signing and getting paid
You sign the deed and closing documents — in person, with a mobile notary, or remotely where allowed. Once the sale records, escrow sends your proceeds by the method you chose.
Wire fraud targets sellers' proceeds too. Give your payout details only by phone or in person to the escrow company, at a number you already trust — never in reply to an email.
What to avoid before closing
- Making changes to the home that weren't agreed in the contract.
- Missing a deadline — every response window in the contract is real.
- Going quiet — answer your agent, escrow and title quickly; small delays add up.
Many agents give sellers a live board for the whole sale — what's done, what's next and what they need to do — so you never have to wonder where things stand.