Buying a home is exciting, but getting your offer accepted is only the beginning. Once a seller accepts your offer, the transaction moves into escrow, where several important steps need to happen before you receive the keys.
For Antioch homebuyers, understanding what happens after an accepted offer can make the process feel much less overwhelming—and help you avoid costly surprises.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve purchased a home before, here’s what to expect after your offer is accepted.
1. Your Earnest Money Deposit Is Due
After your offer is accepted, you’ll typically need to deposit your earnest money into escrow.
In California, the earnest money deposit is often around 1% to 3% of the purchase price, although the amount can vary depending on the terms of the offer.
This deposit shows the seller that you’re serious about purchasing the home. It is generally held in escrow and, assuming the transaction closes, is credited toward your purchase.
Your agent will help you understand exactly when the deposit is due and where it needs to be sent.
2. The Home Inspection and Due Diligence Begin
An accepted offer doesn’t mean you stop asking questions about the property.
This is the time to investigate the home carefully. Depending on the property and your contract, that may include:
- A general home inspection
- Pest inspection
- Roof inspection
- Sewer or plumbing evaluation
- Review of disclosures
- Review of permits and property records
- Investigation of neighborhood or property concerns
- Additional inspections recommended by your professionals
Your real estate agent can help you understand which inspections may make sense for the specific property.
This is especially important because every home is different. A newer home, an older Antioch property, a condominium and a home with extensive landscaping can all require different considerations.
3. Your Lender Continues Working on Your Loan
If you’re financing your purchase, your mortgage isn’t finished just because your offer was accepted.
Your lender will continue working through the loan approval process, which can include:
- Verifying income and employment
- Reviewing assets
- Ordering an appraisal
- Reviewing credit
- Confirming insurance
- Gathering additional documentation
- Completing underwriting
One of the most important things buyers can do during this period is avoid making major financial changes without talking to their lender first.
That means you generally don’t want to open new credit accounts, finance a vehicle, make large unexplained deposits or make other significant financial moves without first discussing them with your mortgage professional.
4. The Appraisal May Take Place
If you’re getting a mortgage, the lender will typically order an appraisal to help determine whether the property provides sufficient collateral for the loan.
The appraisal isn’t the same thing as a home inspection.
The inspection looks at the condition of the home. The appraisal evaluates the property’s value for the lender’s purposes.
If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, your agent and lender can help you understand your options based on the terms of your contract and loan.
5. Contingencies and Deadlines Matter
Your purchase contract includes important deadlines.
Depending on your transaction, these may include contingencies related to:
- Inspection and investigations
- Financing
- Appraisal
- Title
- Other contractual requirements
These deadlines are important because your rights and options can change as contingencies are removed or deadlines pass.
This is one of the reasons having an experienced real estate agent in Antioch CA can be valuable. Your agent isn’t simply helping you find a house—they’re helping you navigate the transaction from accepted offer to closing.
6. You Get Ready for Closing
As you get closer to closing, there are several final details to handle.
You’ll typically need to:
- Obtain homeowners insurance
- Review your final loan documents
- Confirm your closing funds
- Complete required paperwork
- Review the final closing disclosure
- Conduct your final walkthrough
- Sign closing documents
Your lender, escrow company and real estate agent will each have different responsibilities during this stage.
Your job is to stay responsive and make sure requested documents and information are provided promptly.
7. The Final Walkthrough
Just before closing, you’ll generally have an opportunity to walk through the property one final time.
The purpose isn’t to conduct another full home inspection. Instead, you’re checking that the property is in the expected condition and that agreed-upon items are still present.
This is your chance to make sure the home looks substantially as expected before completing the purchase.
8. Closing Day: The Keys Are Almost Yours
Once all necessary documents are signed, funds are transferred and the transaction is completed according to the contract and escrow process, ownership can officially transfer.
Then comes the moment every buyer has been waiting for:
The keys.
That first walk through your new front door is one of the most rewarding parts of the entire process.
What Can Go Wrong After an Offer Is Accepted?
Most transactions move forward successfully, but problems can arise.
Financing can change. Inspections can uncover unexpected issues. Appraisals can come in differently than anticipated. Documents can be delayed. Buyers or sellers can misunderstand contractual deadlines.
That’s why the period between accepted offer and closing deserves just as much attention as the home search itself.
The goal isn’t to make the process complicated. It’s to understand each step so you can make informed decisions along the way.
How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home in Antioch CA?
The timeline varies depending on the transaction, financing, contingencies and other circumstances.
Many financed purchases take several weeks from accepted offer to closing, but there is no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Your agent, lender and escrow team should provide you with a timeline of the important milestones for your particular purchase.
And remember: the fastest transaction isn’t necessarily the best transaction. The goal is to complete the necessary steps carefully and on time.
Antioch Buyers Have More to Consider Than Just the Purchase Price
Current Antioch housing data illustrates why understanding the entire transaction matters. Realtor.com reported a September 2026 median listing price of approximately $615,000, with homes spending a median of 38 days on the market. Redfin’s August 2026 data showed a median sale price of about $595,000 and a median of roughly 21 days on market. Different sources use different methodologies and time periods, so buyers should look at property-specific information rather than relying on a single citywide number.
The right home isn’t simply the one with the right asking price. Buyers also need to consider the condition of the property, financing, inspections, insurance, taxes, closing costs and their long-term plans.
That’s where good preparation pays off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens immediately after my offer is accepted?
You’ll typically enter escrow, deposit your earnest money, begin inspections and due diligence, and continue working with your lender if you’re financing the purchase.
How much earnest money do I need in California?
Earnest money varies by transaction. A deposit of approximately 1% to 3% of the purchase price is common, but the amount and terms should be discussed with your real estate professional.
Can I still back out after my offer is accepted?
Your rights depend on the purchase contract, applicable contingencies and their deadlines. Talk with your real estate agent and, when appropriate, legal counsel before making decisions about cancelling a contract.
Should I get a home inspection?
A professional inspection can provide valuable information about the property’s condition. Whether and what inspections to obtain depends on the property and the terms of your transaction.
What should I avoid doing after my offer is accepted?
Talk with your lender before making major financial changes. Opening new credit, financing large purchases or making significant financial changes could potentially affect your loan approval.
Do I need a real estate agent after my offer is accepted?
Absolutely. Getting an offer accepted is only one stage of the transaction. Your agent can help coordinate deadlines, inspections, negotiations, communication with the other parties and the many details between contract and closing.
Ready to Buy a Home in Antioch CA?
Buying a home is a big decision, but you don’t have to figure out every step on your own.
At RFT Realty, our goal is to give buyers the information, guidance and support they need from the first conversation through closing—and beyond.
If you’re thinking about buying in Antioch, we’d be happy to help you understand your options, connect you with a trusted lender and create a plan for your next move.
Let’s talk about what buying a home could look like for you.
