Once you accept an offer the work is not over. Closing is a sequence of steps with deadlines, mostly run by a title company, escrow officer or attorney.
Open escrow or title
The signed contract goes to a title company, escrow office or attorney, depending on your state, who coordinates the rest.
Inspection and appraisal
The buyer will usually inspect the home and their lender will order an appraisal. Expect repair requests and be ready to negotiate.
Clear the title
The title search checks for liens or claims. Your mortgage payoff and any other liens are settled from the sale proceeds.
Final walk-through and signing
The buyer checks the home one last time, everyone signs, funds move and you hand over the keys.
This guide is a working outline. A fuller version with examples is being written.
Where a professional is worth paying
The title company, escrow officer or attorney is your guide here. Ask them what you need to sign and when.
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