Your offer was accepted... Now what?

The good news is that buyers are not expected to navigate this stage alone. There are plenty of moving pieces happening behind the scenes, and one of the biggest benefits of working with an experienced realtor is having someone there to help coordinate the details, answer questions, and keep everything moving smoothly from start to finish.

One of the first things that happens after acceptance is submitting the deposit. This is separate from your down payment and is typically due within 24 hours unless otherwise stated in the agreement. Your realtor helps coordinate where the deposit needs to go, ensures deadlines are met, and communicates with all parties involved so the process feels as seamless as possible. The deposit is then held in trust and later applied toward the purchase price of the home on closing day.

If your offer included conditions such as financing, a home inspection, or the sale of another property, the next few days are focused on completing those conditions. During this time, your realtor is often coordinating appointments, communicating with the listing side, confirming timelines, and helping guide buyers through each next step. While buyers are busy celebrating and planning their move, their realtor is working behind the scenes to keep everything organized and on track.

One of the most common conditions is the home inspection. In Ontario, buyers are typically responsible for the cost of the inspection, which usually ranges anywhere from approximately $400 to $700 depending on the size, age, and type of property. A good realtor will usually have trusted local inspectors they can recommend and can often help coordinate the appointment quickly, especially when working within tight conditional timelines. Home inspections are an incredibly valuable part of the process because they help buyers better understand the home they are purchasing and identify any potential concerns before the sale becomes firm.

This is also the stage where your real estate lawyer becomes heavily involved in the process. Your lawyer begins preparing all of the legal paperwork required for closing, including title searches, mortgage registration, and coordinating the transfer of funds. Your realtor remains involved throughout this process as well, helping connect all parties and ensuring updates are shared properly between lawyers, lenders, and the cooperating brokerage.

Buyers are also responsible for legal fees and closing costs associated with the transaction. In Ontario, legal fees and disbursements commonly range from approximately $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the complexity of the purchase. Buyers should also be prepared for additional closing costs such as land transfer tax, title insurance, and adjustments for prepaid property taxes or utilities. A good realtor and lawyer will help ensure buyers understand these costs well in advance so there are no surprises as closing day approaches.

Even if you were already pre approved for a mortgage, your lender still needs to finalize financing for the specific property you purchased. They may request updated pay stubs, employment confirmation, bank statements, or proof that home insurance has been arranged before everything is officially completed. Buyers are responsible for arranging their own home insurance prior to closing, and any questions related to coverage or policies should be directed to their insurance provider. Similarly, questions related to financing requirements or mortgage approval are best directed to the buyer’s lender or mortgage professional.

One important tip during this period is to avoid making large purchases or taking on additional debt before closing, as lenders may recheck finances before the transaction is finalized.

As closing day approaches, buyers also begin preparing for the practical side of moving. Utility companies need to be contacted, moving arrangements made, addresses updated, and final details organized. This is often where having a supportive realtor makes a huge difference. From recommending trusted local professionals to answering last minute questions and helping buyers feel prepared, a good realtor’s role does not end once the offer is accepted.

Shortly before closing, buyers will usually have the opportunity to complete a final walkthrough of the home. This is a chance to ensure the property is in the expected condition and that any agreed upon inclusions remain in the home. Your realtor coordinates this appointment and helps address any concerns that may arise before closing day arrives.

Then finally comes closing day. This is the day funds are transferred, legal documents are completed, and ownership officially becomes yours. Depending on the timing of the transaction, keys are often released later in the afternoon once everything has been finalized through the lawyers. It is one of the most rewarding moments in the entire process and the point where all of the planning and preparation finally comes together.



Buying a home is a major milestone, and while there are many important steps between acceptance and closing day, having the right professionals guiding you through the process makes all the difference. With the right support behind the scenes, buyers are able to focus less on the logistics and more on the excitement of settling into their new home and starting their next chapter.