What Happens After You’re Under Contract

This guide is for you if your offer has been accepted (or you’re close) and you’re wondering, “Okay…what happens now?”

It’s especially helpful if you:

• Are a first-time buyer who’s never been through the contract-to-close process before.
• Want a clear, step-by-step timeline instead of a swirl of acronyms and tasks.
• Are trying to plan time off work, movers, and life around your closing date.
• Have heard horror stories about last-minute surprises and want to know how to stay ahead of them.
• Prefer a lender who explains the “why” behind each step, not just sends documents to sign.

The goal is simple: turn the contract-to-close window from a stressful blur into a predictable path you can walk with confidence.

When everyone knows their lane, the process feels less like chaos and more like a coordinated relay.

Here’s a closer look at the major steps you’ll hit on the way to closing:

• Initial disclosures – We send a stack of documents explaining your loan terms, costs, and how we use your information. You review and e-sign so we can fully start the process.
• Loan setup & appraisal order – Your file is set up in our system, fees are updated to match your contract, and the appraisal is ordered (if required).
• Inspections & repairs – You and your agent schedule inspections, review the results, and decide whether to request repairs or credits.
• Underwriting review – An underwriter reviews your income, assets, credit, and the property to issue a conditional approval.
• Conditions & follow-up docs – We’ll ask for any missing items or clarifications (for example, updated pay stubs, letters of explanation, or additional account pages).
• Appraisal report – The appraiser provides an opinion of value. We confirm it supports the loan and review any required repairs or conditions.
• Clear-to-close (CTC) – Once conditions are met, the underwriter clears your file for closing. This is the “green light” before documents are prepared.
• Closing disclosure & final figures – You receive a Closing Disclosure (CD) showing final numbers. By law, you get this at least three business days before signing.
• Signing & funding – You sign the final documents, funds are disbursed, and the deed records. Then it’s keys time.

We’ll guide you through each step, but having this roadmap ahead of time makes every email and phone call feel more intentional.

A lot is happening behind the scenes, but there are a few simple habits that make a huge difference:

• Protect your credit & cash – avoid opening new accounts, financing big purchases, or moving money around without talking to us.
• Stay reachable – check email and voicemail daily and respond to requests as quickly as you reasonably can.
• Keep documents handy – new pay stubs, bank statements, or updated letters may be needed as we get closer to closing.
• Ask questions early – if something doesn’t make sense, ask. Small questions now can prevent bigger problems later.
• Coordinate with your agent – make sure everyone is aligned on dates for inspections, repairs, and closing.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s to keep your file stable, clear, and easy to approve.

Use these questions with your lender and agent to get a clear picture of what’s ahead:

• What are my most important dates? (Inspection, appraisal, loan objection/finance dates, and closing.)
• What are you waiting on from me in the next week?
• When should I expect the appraisal to be completed and reviewed?
• What conditions do you expect the underwriter might ask for?
• When will I see a Closing Disclosure with my final numbers?
• Who should I call if something urgent comes up after hours?

Clear answers turn the timeline from a mystery into a shared game plan where everyone knows what “done” looks like.