Offer Accepted on a House? Here’s What Happens Next (Las Vegas Buyer Guide)

Written by Kimberly Smith - Your trusted Las Vegas Real Estate Queen

You finally did it — you found the home, made an offer, and it was accepted. Cue the confetti! 🎉

But if you're like most buyers I work with in Las Vegas, the excitement quickly gives way to questions like:

• “What happens after my offer is accepted?”

• “Am I supposed to do something now?”

• “Can the seller back out?”

• “When do I get the keys?

  
  

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional milestones of your life — and the process doesn’t stop once your offer is approved. This is where it gets real.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step breakdown of what happens from offer to ownership — and how I make sure my clients never feel lost in the middle.

🧾 Step 1: Open Escrow and Submit Earnest Money

After your offer is accepted, we enter into escrow — a neutral third-party account where your earnest money deposit is held while the transaction moves forward. This shows the seller you’re serious and committed.

You’ll typically have 1–3 business days to submit this deposit — and I make sure that deadline is met without stress.

Kimberly’s Insight: I review your full escrow timeline upfront so you’re never surprised by what’s due when. No last-minute scrambles. Just clear next steps.

🕵️ Step 2: Schedule a Professional Home Inspection

Now it’s time to find out what’s going on behind the walls.

I coordinate a licensed home inspector to thoroughly review the property — from the roof and plumbing to the foundation and electrical. This step helps us discover any needed repairs or potential deal-breakers.

This isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s information that helps you make confident decisions.

Kimberly’s Insight: Inspection reports can be intimidating — but I translate the jargon into practical next steps. I also help negotiate repairs or credits, so you’re not stuck footing surprise costs later.

📊 Step 3: Appraisal Ordered by the Lender

If you're financing the purchase, your lender will order a home appraisal to confirm the property's market value. It protects you and the bank from overpaying.

If the home appraises for less than your offer, don’t panic — there are strategies we can use.

Kimberly’s Insight: I’ve handled dozens of low appraisal situations. Whether it’s negotiating with the seller, challenging the appraisal, or restructuring the deal — I’ve got your back.

🧾 Step 4: Finalize Your Mortgage (aka Underwriting)

This part involves verifying your income, assets, credit, and employment again before full approval.

It’s crucial to keep your finances stable during this time. That means:

• No new credit cards

• No big purchases (not even furniture)

• No job changes without telling your lender

  
  

Kimberly’s Insight: I stay in contact with your lender and help keep communication smooth — so you know exactly what to submit and when. If any issues arise, I step in to troubleshoot before they become problems.

📃 Step 5: Review the Closing Disclosure

Three days before closing, you’ll receive your Closing Disclosure (CD) — a final breakdown of your mortgage terms, monthly payments, closing costs, and loan details.

This is your moment to triple-check the numbers.

Kimberly’s Insight: I go over your CD with you line by line. You’ll know exactly what you’re signing — no guesswork, no pressure.

🏡 Step 6: Final Walkthrough of the Home

Typically done 24–48 hours before closing, this is your chance to see the home one last time and make sure:

• Repairs were completed

• Nothing is damaged or removed

• The home is in the same condition as agreed

  
  

Kimberly’s Insight: I attend every walkthrough with my buyers. If anything looks off, I handle the communication and resolution — you don’t have to play the bad guy.

🖊️ Step 7: Sign, Fund, and Close!

Now the finish line is in sight. You’ll sign all loan and legal documents, your lender will fund the loan, and the title will be transferred.

Once the county records the sale — you get the keys. Congratulations — you’re officially a homeowner!

Kimberly’s Insight: I coordinate your closing like clockwork — so all parties (escrow, lender, title) are in sync. My goal is to make this day joyful, not chaotic.

💬 Common Buyer Fears — and How I Solve Them

“I’m worried I’ll miss something important.”I give you a clear timeline, weekly check-ins, and reminders — no guesswork.

“What if the seller tries to back out?”I make sure your contract protects your interests. You’ll always know your rights and next steps.

“What if the deal falls apart?”I stay three steps ahead to minimize risks — and if an issue does arise, you’ll never face it alone.

“I feel overwhelmed with everything I need to do.”That’s why you hired me. I guide, explain, and advocate — from start to finish.

🔚 Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Clear, Calm Path to Homeownership

The time between offer acceptance and closing is where many buyers feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With the right agent by your side — someone who’s organized, experienced, and truly on your team — this can feel like the empowering transition it’s meant to be.

👑 Kimberly Smith is a top Las Vegas Realtor known for her sharp market insight, strategic approach, and commitment to helping clients move smart—whether buying, selling, or just exploring what’s next. She’s not just a local expert—she’s The Real Estate Queen of Las Vegas.

📞 Connect with Kimberly:📍 Serving Greater Las Vegas | 🏡 Luxury + Residential

📧  kimsellslv2@gmail.com| 

📲 (702) 291-7098

🌐 https://www.realestatequeenoflasvegas.com/

📱 Follow on Instagram: @realestatequeenoflasvegas