What Happens Next After Accepting an Offer on Your Home in Ankeny?
Congratulations! You’ve accepted an offer on your home—but what happens next? Many home sellers in Ankeny are unsure of what to expect after going under contract.
From inspections and appraisals to closing day, the process involves several important steps that require attention to detail. At Allison Hart Home Team, we guide home sellers through every stage of the process to ensure a smooth, stress-free transaction.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what happens after accepting an offer and how to successfully close the sale of your home in Ankeny.
Step 1: Offer Acceptance & Earnest Money Deposit
Once you’ve accepted an offer, both you and the buyer sign a purchase agreement, making the sale officially pending.
What Happens After You Accept an Offer?
✔ Earnest Money is Deposited – The buyer submits an earnest money deposit (typically 1–2% of the purchase price) to show they’re serious about the purchase.
✔ Contract Timelines Begin – Important deadlines for inspections, the appraisal, and financing are set in motion.
✔ Your Home is Marked “Pending” – The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) updates your home’s status, signaling that it’s under contract.
💡 Pro Tip: While your home is under contract, it’s best to avoid making major changes to the property, as inspections and appraisals will soon take place.
Step 2: The Home Inspection Process
Most buyers include a home inspection contingency in their offer. This allows them to hire a licensed home inspector to assess the condition of the property.
What to Expect During the Inspection
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The inspector evaluates the home’s structure, foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliances.
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The buyer receives a detailed inspection report outlining any potential issues.
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Buyers may request repairs or negotiate credits based on the findings.
How to Prepare for the Inspection
✔ Ensure all utilities are on and accessible.
✔ Clean the home and remove clutter from key areas like basements, attics, and utility rooms.
✔ Replace burnt-out lightbulbs and address small repairs to avoid unnecessary red flags.
💡 Pro Tip: Not all inspection requests need to be accepted. At Allison Hart Home Team, we help sellers navigate inspection negotiations to ensure a fair outcome.
Step 3: The Appraisal Process
If the buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will require a home appraisal to determine the property’s value.
What Happens During the Appraisal?
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A licensed appraiser visits the home to evaluate its condition, location, and recent comparable sales.
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The appraiser submits a valuation report to the lender.
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If the appraised value matches or exceeds the purchase price, the loan process moves forward.
What If the Appraisal Comes in Low?
If the appraisal is lower than the agreed-upon sale price, the buyer may:
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Renegotiate the price with the seller.
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Pay the difference out of pocket.
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Challenge the appraisal with additional comparable sales.
💡 Pro Tip: To avoid appraisal issues, price your home competitively from the start. The Allison Hart Home Team provides expert market analysis to ensure your home is priced right.
Step 4: Buyer’s Loan Approval & Final Mortgage Steps
For financed buyers, the lender must finalize the mortgage approval before closing.
Final Mortgage Steps:
✔ The lender reviews the buyer’s income, credit, and debt-to-income ratio.
✔ The underwriting team confirms the buyer meets all loan requirements.
✔ The buyer receives a clear-to-close status, meaning the loan is fully approved.
💡 Pro Tip: If your buyer is financing the purchase, the process can take 30–45 days. Be prepared for this timeline.
Step 5: Preparing for Closing Day
As the closing date approaches, both parties review and sign final documents.
What Happens Before Closing?
✔ The title company conducts a title search to verify ownership and ensure no liens exist.
✔ The buyer receives a closing disclosure, outlining all costs.
✔ The buyer does a final walkthrough (usually 24–48 hours before closing) to confirm the home is in the agreed-upon condition.
💡 Pro Tip: Sellers should leave the home clean and move-out ready before closing.
Step 6: Closing Day – The Final Step!
On closing day, you’ll officially transfer ownership to the buyer and receive your proceeds.
What Happens at Closing?
✔ Sign Final Documents – You’ll sign the deed, bill of sale, and other legal paperwork.
✔ Funds Are Transferred – The buyer’s lender releases funds, and you receive your sale proceeds.
✔ Keys Are Exchanged – The buyer officially takes possession of the home.
💡 Pro Tip: Most closings take place at a title company or attorney’s office and last about an hour.
Common Questions About the Home Sale Process in Ankeny
1. How Long Does It Take to Close After Accepting an Offer?
The timeline typically ranges from 30 to 45 days, depending on financing, inspections, and appraisal contingencies.
2. Can a Buyer Back Out After an Accepted Offer?
Yes, but only under specific contingencies outlined in the contract, such as inspection or financing issues.
3. What Happens If I Get Another Offer After Accepting One?
Your home is under contract, so you can’t accept another offer unless the current deal falls through. However, you can accept backup offers.
4. When Do I Have to Move Out?
Most sellers move out before or on closing day, unless a post-closing occupancy agreement is arranged.
Sell Your Home with Confidence – Work with the Allison Hart Home Team
Selling a home in Ankeny involves multiple steps, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Allison Hart Home Team, we handle the details so you can sell quickly, stress-free, and for top dollar.
📞 Need expert guidance on selling your home in Ankeny? Contact us today for a free home selling consultation!
📍 Call or text: 515-210-5198
📍 Email: [email protected]
📍 Visit: allisonharthomes.com OR allisonharthomesales.com
Let’s make your home sale a smooth and successful experience!
