Congratulations —Offer Accepted!
Having your offer accepted is an exciting milestone in your home-buying journey! There are still important steps to complete before you receive the keys to your new home. As your Space Coast real estate agent, Shawna will help you understand what needs to happen at each stage, keep track of important dates, communicate with the professionals involved, and help you navigate unexpected issues that may arise along the way. Buying a home in Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, or anywhere in Brevard County involves many moving parts. Shawna’s goal is to keep you informed, prepared, and confident from the moment your offer is accepted until closing day—when you finally get the keys to your new home!
Once all parties have signed the purchase agreement, your transaction moves forward under the terms and deadlines outlined in the contract. From this point until closing day, there are several important details to manage, including scheduling inspections, meeting financing and appraisal deadlines, reviewing required documents, and coordinating with your lender and title company. Staying organized and meeting contractual deadlines is essential to keeping your purchase moving forward… Lucky you have Shawna!!
Earnest Money Deposit Deadline
The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is a good-faith deposit that demonstrates you are serious about purchasing the property. This deposit is typically due within 3–5 days after
the contract is executed.
the contract is executed.
Inspection Due Diligence Deadline
The inspection period is one of the most important stages of your homebuying journey. It is your opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the property, identify potential concerns, and determine whether you want to move forward with the purchase. All inspections, evaluations, and any desired repair negotiations must be completed and resolved before the inspection period expires, in accordance with your contract. Shawna is there to guide you and help you stay ahead of your deadlines, understand your options, and make informed decisions before your inspection period expires.
Appraisal Contingency Deadline
The appraisal helps determine the property’s market value to ensure it supports the agreed-upon purchase price and the buyer’s financing. If the appraised value comes in below the purchase price, we may renegotiate, pay the difference, or explore other options.
Homeowner’s Insurance
If you are financing your home purchase, your mortgage lender will require you to obtain a homeowners insurance policy. In Florida, securing coverage early is especially important, as premiums, eligibility, and coverage options can vary depending on the home’s age, roof condition, location, and other factors. When it’s time to explore homeowners insurance for your new home, Shawna can connect you with trusted insurance providers to hep you choose the policy that best fits your needs and budget.
Survey
A property survey helps identify the boundaries of your new home. Your lender or title company can advise whether a new survey is required for your purchase or whether an existing survey may be acceptable. If a new survey is needed, the title company can help coordinate the process and explain when it should be completed before closing. The cost of the survey may be included in your closing statement, depending on your contract and closing arrangements.
Title Evidence Deadline
The title company will research the property’s ownership history and public records to verify that the seller can legally transfer clear title to the buyer. Title evidence helps identify any outstanding liens, judgments, or other issues that may need to be resolved before closing.
Clear to Close
Clear to Close means the lender has determined that the requirements necessary to proceed with closing have been satisfied. You will receive a Closing Disclosure from your lender at least three business days before closing, as required for most covered mortgage loans. This document details your final loan terms, monthly payment, and closing costs.
Closing Settlement Statement
You will receive the Closing Settlement Statement which provides an itemized breakdown of the money involved in the transaction, including the purchase price, deposits already paid, closing costs, prepaid expenses, and any applicable credits or adjustments. The statement will show the total amount you need to wire for Closing and you will receive this 24 - 48 hours prior to closing.
Final Walk-Through
The final walk-through is your opportunity to revisit the property before closing to confirm that the home is in the agreed-upon condition. During this visit, we will verify that the seller’s personal belongings have been removed as required by the contract, all agreed-upon repairs have been completed, and the home’s major systems and appliances are operating as expected.
Buying a home is about more than finding the right property—it’s about finding the right place for your next chapter. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, relocating to the Space Coast, or searching for your forever home, Shawna is here to guide you every step of the way… her local Brevard County real estate knowledge, design and construction expertise, and hands-on approach, will help you make informed decisions with confidence. She makes your home-buying experience as smooth, rewarding, and stress-free as possible.