What Happens Between Mutual Acceptance and Closing? A Washington Home Seller's Guide

Receiving an accepted offer is an exciting milestone, but it's only one step in the selling process. Many important tasks take place between mutual acceptance and closing, and understanding each stage helps sellers avoid surprises.

Here's what typically happens after both parties sign the purchase agreement.

Opening Escrow

Once the contract becomes mutually accepted, the escrow company opens the transaction.

Escrow serves as a neutral third party responsible for:

• Holding earnest money
• Preparing closing documents
• Coordinating signatures
• Managing funds
• Recording the deed

The escrow officer also works closely with the title company, lender, and real estate professionals throughout the transaction.

Earnest Money Deposit

The buyer typically deposits earnest money according to the terms of the purchase agreement.

This deposit demonstrates the buyer's commitment to completing the transaction and is generally applied toward the buyer's purchase at closing.

Home Inspection

If the contract includes an inspection contingency, the buyer schedules inspections shortly after mutual acceptance.

Inspections may include:

• General home inspection
• Sewer scope
• Pest inspection
• Septic inspection (when applicable)
• Well inspection (when applicable)

After reviewing the results, the buyer may:

• Accept the property as-is.
• Request repairs.
• Request a credit.
• Negotiate another solution.

Many transactions proceed successfully through reasonable negotiations.

Appraisal

If the buyer is financing the purchase, the lender typically orders an appraisal.

The appraiser evaluates the home's market value using comparable sales and the property's overall characteristics.

If the appraisal supports the purchase price, financing generally moves forward.

If questions arise, the buyer and seller may negotiate possible solutions depending on the contract terms.

Title Review

During escrow, the title company researches the property's ownership history.

The title report identifies items such as:

• Existing mortgages
• Easements
• Covenants
• Liens
• Property taxes

Resolving title issues before closing helps ensure ownership transfers smoothly.

Loan Approval

Meanwhile, the buyer's lender continues processing the loan.

This often includes:

• Employment verification
• Income verification
• Asset confirmation
• Final underwriting review

Once underwriting is complete, the lender issues final loan approval.

Signing Closing Documents

Several days before closing, both parties typically sign their closing documents.

The seller signs documents transferring ownership.

The buyer signs loan documents and other required paperwork.

Most signings occur at the escrow office, although remote options may be available in certain situations.

Final Walkthrough

Shortly before closing, the buyer usually completes a final walkthrough.

The purpose is to verify:

• The home's condition remains substantially unchanged.
• Agreed-upon repairs have been completed, if applicable.
• Personal property included in the contract remains with the home.

The walkthrough is not another inspection but rather a confirmation that the property is in the expected condition.

Closing Day

On closing day:

• Buyer funds are delivered.
• Loan funds are received.
• Escrow confirms all requirements have been satisfied.
• The deed records with the county.

Once recording is complete, ownership officially transfers to the buyer.

Your real estate professional will notify you when recording has occurred and provide guidance regarding key delivery and possession.

Preparing for a Smooth Closing

Sellers can help the process by:

• Responding promptly to document requests.
• Keeping utilities active until possession.
• Completing agreed-upon repairs on time.
• Maintaining the property in substantially the same condition.
• Staying in communication with their real estate professional and escrow officer.

Small delays can occasionally occur, but good communication helps resolve most issues quickly.

Final Thoughts

Mutual acceptance is a significant milestone, but successful closings require teamwork from everyone involved.

By understanding what happens during escrow, sellers can move through the process with confidence and reduce unnecessary stress as closing day approaches.