Your offer was accepted—congratulations! That’s a huge milestone and one of the most exciting moments in the buying process. But once the initial excitement settles, many buyers are left wondering… what happens next?
Here’s what to expect in the days and weeks leading up to closing.
1. Submit Your Deposit
Once your offer is accepted, your deposit is typically due within 24 hours. This step is very important; if the deposit isn’t received on time, the offer becomes void and the seller can move on to another buyer. Your agent or lawyer will let you know exactly where and how to deliver it, usually by certified cheque or electronic transfer.
2. Notify Your Mortgage Broker or Lender
Send your signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale to your mortgage broker or lender right away. They’ll need to finalise your financing, verify your documentation, and prepare any appraisals or additional conditions your lender requires.
3. Book Your Home Inspection
If your offer includes an inspection condition, schedule it as soon as possible. A qualified inspector can identify potential issues and give you peace of mind about the home’s condition. If anything concerning comes up, your agent will help you navigate the next steps. Click here for a list of our recommended home inspectors!
4. Send Documents to Your Lawyer
Your lawyer plays an important role from this point forward. They’ll review the Agreement, check for any title issues, and make sure everything is in order for closing.
Typically, your realtor will forward all the necessary documents to your lawyer, provided you’ve already chosen one. If you haven’t selected a lawyer yet, we’ve listed a few trusted local professionals we recommend right here. You likely won’t meet with your lawyer to sign your final paperwork until about a week before closing. Many lawyers now handle this step virtually, so you can review and sign everything from home.
5. Review and Waive Conditions
Once your financing, inspection, or other conditions are satisfied, your agent will prepare a waiver or amendment to make the deal firm. This step officially locks in your purchase and confirms you’re moving forward.
6. Start Planning Your Move
Now’s the time to get organised for moving day. Book your movers early, especially if you’re moving at the end of the month, when they tend to fill up quickly. If you’re still deciding who to hire, check out our Preferred Movers & Storage Guide for trusted local options.
Next, start working through your packing plan. Our Room-by-Room Packing Guide will help you stay on track and keep everything organised.
Finally, don’t forget to set up your utilities! You can easily take care of this through our Utility Transfer Portal, which walks you through each step so nothing gets missed.
7. Arrange Home Insurance
Before your mortgage can close, your lender will require proof of home insurance showing the property is protected as of your closing date. Contact your insurance provider early to arrange coverage and have them send a copy of the insurance binder or certificate directly to your lender and lawyer. It’s best to do this at least one to two weeks before closing to avoid any last-minute delays.
8. Prepare Your Closing Funds
A few days before closing, your lawyer will give you the final amount due, which includes your down payment balance, closing costs, and adjustments. You’ll bring this as a certified cheque or wire transfer.
9. Schedule Your Final Walkthrough
Most buyers do a walkthrough a day or two before closing to make sure the home is in the same condition as when they bought it. This is your chance to confirm everything is as agreed upon and ready for move-in.
What to check:
- The home’s overall condition: clean, intact, and free of new damage
- Agreed-upon repairs are complete
- Included items (appliances, light fixtures, etc.) are still in place and working
- Utilities like lights, taps, and toilets function properly
- Seller’s belongings have been removed (unless otherwise agreed)
If you notice any issues, such as damage, missing items, or incomplete repairs, notify your agent and lawyer right away. They’ll coordinate with the seller’s agent to resolve it before closing, ensuring you take possession as promised.
10. Closing Day
This is the big day! Your lawyer completes the transaction, the title transfers, and you officially get the keys! Congratulations, you’re now a homeowner!
Keep in mind that closing can happen anytime throughout the day, depending on when funds are received and documents are exchanged. You might get your keys in the morning, or it could be later in the afternoon, so plan your schedule accordingly.
If you’re booking movers, deliveries, or cleaning services, try to schedule them for later in the day (or even the next day) to avoid any timing stress.
Buying a home comes with a lot of moving parts, but having a clear plan makes all the difference. If you’d like a printable version of our After Your Offer Is Accepted Checklist, you can download it below!
