What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Home in California? (2026)
January 13, 2026
What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Home in California? (2026)
Accepting an offer on your home is a major milestone — but it's not the finish line. In California, the period after offer acceptance involves several important steps that ultimately lead to closing.
Understanding what happens next helps sellers stay prepared, avoid surprises, and move through escrow with confidence.
Opening Escrow
Once an offer is accepted, escrow is typically opened. Escrow acts as a neutral third party that coordinates documents, funds, and instructions between the buyer and seller.
During this phase:
- The buyer deposits their earnest money
- Escrow instructions are created
- Key deadlines and timelines are established
Inspections and Due Diligence
Buyers usually conduct inspections during escrow. Common inspections may include:
- General property inspections
- Pest or termite inspections
- Specialized inspections (roof, sewer, foundation)
Sellers may be asked to:
- Provide access to the property
- Respond to repair requests or credits
- Clarify disclosures or documentation
Contingencies and Negotiations
Most offers include contingencies, such as:
- Inspection contingencies
- Appraisal contingencies (if financing is involved)
- Loan contingencies
Once contingencies are removed, the transaction becomes more secure. Any negotiations related to repairs or credits typically occur before this step.
Appraisal and Loan Process (If Applicable)
If the buyer is financing the purchase:
- The lender orders an appraisal
- Loan approval progresses alongside escrow
- Additional documentation may be requested
Sellers are usually minimally involved but should be aware of appraisal timelines.
Final Steps Before Closing
As escrow nears completion:
- Final documents are prepared and signed
- Funds are reviewed and confirmed
- The deed is prepared for recording
Once the transaction records with the county, ownership officially transfers.
How SnapDwell Supports Sellers After Offer Acceptance
SnapDwell helps sellers stay organized and informed throughout escrow by providing:
- A centralized dashboard for tasks and documents
- Timeline visibility and progress tracking
- Secure communication and document handling
- Licensed broker oversight through each phase
The goal is a smoother closing with fewer last-minute issues.
Final Thoughts
Accepting an offer is just the beginning of the final phase of your home sale.
By understanding what happens after offer acceptance, and having the right systems and support in place, sellers can navigate escrow confidently and close successfully.
Learn how SnapDwell works to explore a modern, transparent approach to selling your home in California.