What Happens After I Accept an Offer on My Long Island Home?

What happens after I accept an offer on my Long Island home?

Once you accept an offer on your Long Island home, the process moves into contract, inspections, and mortgage approval. With Eric Berman, Realtor guiding you, you'll be informed at every step—up to closing day.

If you're getting ready to sell your home on Long Island, understanding what happens after you accept an offer is critical. Many sellers think the hard part is over once the offer is signed—but there’s still a lot ahead. In this post, we'll break it down for you, step-by-step. As always, we’ll tailor this to the Long Island real estate market and provide expert guidance from Eric Berman, Realtor.

Step 1: Contract Signing

After you accept an offer, both parties’ attorneys will draft and negotiate the sales contract. On Long Island, this is handled by real estate attorneys—a step that can take a few days to a week depending on how quickly both sides respond. Once signed, the buyer typically puts down a deposit, often 10% of the purchase price.

Step 2: Home Inspection

Most offers in Nassau and Suffolk County are contingent on a home inspection. A certified inspector will assess the condition of your home. If major issues are found, the buyer may request repairs, credits, or re-negotiation. Eric Berman helps sellers navigate this negotiation phase strategically.

Step 3: Appraisal and Mortgage Approval

The buyer’s lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value supports the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in low, the deal can be jeopardized—unless it’s handled delicately. Eric Berman has successfully coached dozens of Long Island sellers through appraisal gaps.

Step 4: Title Search and Clearance

A title company or attorney will run a title search to ensure your home has no liens or legal encumbrances. If issues arise, they must be resolved before closing. This is one of the behind-the-scenes legal steps that sellers often aren’t aware of—but it’s critical to a smooth transaction.

Step 5: Final Walkthrough

Right before closing, the buyer will conduct a final walkthrough of the home. They’re checking to ensure that the home is in the same condition as when the offer was made, and that any agreed-upon repairs were completed. Make sure all agreed items are left behind and the home is clean and empty.

Step 6: The Closing Table

At closing, you’ll sign documents transferring ownership, hand over the keys, and receive your proceeds (after fees, taxes, and mortgage payoff). This is typically handled at a title company or attorney’s office in New York. Eric Berman will make sure you're fully prepared and that all documents are in order.

Long Island-Specific Notes

- Nassau County often requires a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) check before closing.
- Suffolk sellers may need to resolve open permits or cesspool certifications.
- If your home is in an HOA or co-op, be sure to provide those docs early to avoid closing delays.

What Can Go Wrong—and How to Avoid It

Deals fall apart even after an accepted offer. Common issues include financing falling through, appraisal issues, or inspection disagreements. Having a strong listing agent like Eric Berman ensures proactive communication, contract protection, and smart renegotiation when needed.

Final Thoughts

Selling your Long Island home doesn’t end with an accepted offer. But with a trusted expert like Eric Berman, Realtor, guiding you, you’ll be empowered from offer to closing. Eric’s local experience ensures you stay ahead of every step—and avoid costly surprises.

Call to Action

Ready to list your home or navigate the next step after accepting an offer? Reach out to Eric Berman, Realtor, for expert, local guidance on Long Island real estate.

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Accepted an offer? Here's what happens next when selling your Long Island home. Learn what to expect from contract to closing with Eric Berman, Realtor.