What Happens After You Accept an Offer? A Michigan Seller’s Timeline Explained

Quick Answer

Once you accept an offer on your Michigan home, you enter the “under contract” phase. From there, inspections, appraisal, title work, and buyer financing all tak

e place before closing—typically over 30–45 days. Sellers in Oakland County should stay engaged, responsive, and prepared for a few key decision points along the way.

The Complete Picture: From Accepted Offer to Closing Day

Accepting an offer is exciting—but it’s not the finish line. Whether you’re selling a colonial in Birmingham, a luxury home in Bloomfield Hills, a downtown condo in Royal Oak, or a family home in Rochester, the process that follows is largely the same across Michigan.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step timeline so you know exactly what happens next.

Step 1: Offer Accepted & Contract Executed (Day 0–2)

Once both parties sign:

• The home is officially under contract

• The buyer submits their earnest money deposit

• Key dates are set:

  • Inspection deadline

  • Appraisal timeline

  • Financing and closing date

💡 At this point, your home typically comes off the active market.

Step 2: Home Inspections (Days 5–10)

Most Michigan contracts include an inspection contingency.

What sellers should expect:

• Buyer schedules inspections (general, sewer, radon, etc.)

• Inspector evaluates major systems and structure

• Buyer may request:

  • Repairs

  • Credits

  • Or no changes at all

Important:
This is a negotiation—not a demand list. Experienced Oakland County agents help sellers respond strategically, especially in competitive areas like Royal Oak or Birmingham, where buyers often expect well-maintained homes.

Step 3: Appraisal Ordered (Days 10–20)

If the buyer is financing the purchase:

• The lender orders a professional appraisal

• The appraiser confirms the home’s value supports the purchase price

• Comparable sales (often from the same neighborhood or nearby cities like Troy, Bloomfield, or Clawson) are reviewed

If the home appraises:
✅ You move forward smoothly

If it comes in low:

• Price renegotiation

• Buyer brings additional funds

• Or contract adjustments may be needed

Step 4: Title Work & Municipal Requirements (Weeks 2–4)

During this phase:

• Title company confirms clear ownership

• Any liens or issues are resolved

• Michigan-specific requirements may include:

  • Municipal inspections

  • Well or septic certifications (if applicable)

Oakland County cities vary—what’s required in Rochester Hills may differ from Bloomfield Township—which is why local guidance matters.

Step 5: Buyer’s Final Loan Approval (Weeks 3–5)

Meanwhile, the buyer’s lender finalizes:

• Income and asset verification

• Credit approval

• Underwriting clearance

As the seller:

• You may be asked for access for a final walkthrough

• You’ll begin planning your move and utilities transfer

Step 6: Final Walkthrough & Closing Day (Last 48 Hours)

Before closing:

• Buyer confirms the home is in agreed-upon condition

• Any negotiated repairs should be completed

On closing day:

• You sign documents (often remotely)

• Sale proceeds are disbursed

• Keys are transferred

• 🎉 You’re officially closed!
  
  

Key Insights for Michigan Home Sellers

• The process isn’t passive. Sellers must stay responsive throughout escrow.

• Inspection negotiations are normal. They don’t mean the deal is falling apart.

• Local market expertise matters. Appraisals and timelines vary by Oakland County city.

• Most delays are solvable with proactive communication and strong representation.

Action Steps for Sellers After Accepting an Offer

1. Keep the home in showing condition until inspections are complete

2. Review inspection requests carefully with your agent

3. Complete agreed-upon repairs promptly

4. Stay flexible but informed during appraisal and financing

5. Work with a well-connected brokerage to ensure smooth coordination with lenders, inspectors, and title companies

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to close after accepting an offer in Michigan?
Most Michigan home sales close within 30–45 days, though cash offers may close faster.

Can a seller back out after accepting an offer?
Once under contract, sellers are legally bound unless the buyer fails to meet contractual obligations.

What if the buyer asks for too many repairs?
You can negotiate, offer credits, or decline certain requests—this is where strategy matters.

Do I need to be present at closing?
Usually no. Many sellers sign remotely or ahead of time.

What happens if the appraisal comes in low?
Options include renegotiating price, buyer covering the gap, or canceling if terms can’t be met.

In Closing

Accepting an offer is a major milestone—but the steps that follow are just as important. With the right guidance, selling your home in Oakland County can be a smooth, confident process from contract to closing.

📞 Thinking of selling or currently under contract?
Call Kathy Remski at 248-408-0049 for trusted, local expertise in Birmingham, Bloomfield, Rochester, Royal Oak, and throughout Oakland County.

Your next move deserves clarity—and a professional who knows every step of the way.