Per the terms of the purchase agreement, the next step is for the buyer to submit their earnest money within the next two business days. We’ve already provided them with clear instructions and a secure TrustFunds link, so they should be able to take care of it quickly and easily.

Moving right along in the process, the next crucial step is none other than the home inspection – that is, if it's a part of this purchase agreement. Buyers usually take the lead here, bringing in their trusted inspector and coordinating everything using ShowingTime. 

Typically, this inspection will take about 3 to 4 hours.

The buyers might also decide to amp it up with additional inspections like radon and sewer scope checks.

Please make sure all utilities are up and running, and keep that attic access clear and lastly please leave during the inspection, Give the buyers and their inspector some breathing room to do their thing.

After the inspection, it's perfectly normal for the buyers to come up with additional questions, requests for repairs, or even open up discussions around potential concessions.

A gentle reminder: you're never required to make any particular repairs or provide concessions during this period, but it’s important to remember our main goal is to keep moving the deal forward.

An appraisal is a professional opinion of a property’s value, completed by a licensed appraiser on behalf of the buyer’s lender. The purpose is to confirm that the home is worth at least the amount the buyer is borrowing. If the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price, we move forward. If it comes in low, we may need to renegotiate or explore solutions.

As we approach the eagerly awaited closing, the Buyers will line up a final walk-through of the house, ensuring that every aspect listed in the purchase agreement is right where it should be on the property.

We're aiming for tip-top condition here – a sparkling clean house that's all set to welcome them in, just the way you envision your new home.

This last walkthrough usually takes place the day before or day off closing, around the time you've packed up or moved out, giving the Buyers a chance to double-check that the any agreed-upon repairs are all squared away and that no fresh concerns have popped up. 

As we approach the closing, here’s how you can handle the final steps:

Option 1: You can sign all the closing documents a few days before the official date. This lets you skip the actual closing appointment altogether — most of my sellers prefer this route for convenience.

Option 2: You can attend the closing in person on the scheduled day — completely up to you.

Before anything is finalized, you’ll receive a settlement statement to review. This will clearly outline all fees, taxes, prorations, and the amount you’ll be receiving at closing.

When we’re ready to wrap up, please be sure to:

Leave all keys (including extra sets), garage remotes, and any warranties or manuals for appliances or systems

Either leave them on the kitchen counter or bring them to closing, depending on your preference

Make sure utilities are scheduled to be disconnected or transferred to the buyers after closing — preferably effective the day following possession

If there’s anything you’re unsure about — whether it’s possession timing, utility companies, or what should stay with the home — just let me know. We’re almost there. Congratulations again — the finish line is in sight.

I’ve created this checklist for you to help you stay organized throughout your move. Use it as your roadmap from start to finish — check things off as you go, add notes where needed, and lean on me if you need recommendations for movers, cleaners, utility contacts, or anything in between.