So your offer was accepted. 🎉
You’re excited… and also a little terrified.

The question I hear more than anything is:
“Okay… now what do I do?”

I’m going to walk you through exactly what you should do on Day One after your offer is accepted, because I just did this myself. I’ve been a mortgage lender for over18 years, and I am not a chill homebuyer. I’m Type-A, I’m anxious, and I want things handled efficiently so they don’t take over my life.

This checklist is how you keep your loan smooth, your stress low, and your job and family from falling apart during escrow.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Lender Has the Contract (Immediately)

The moment your agent tells you the offer is accepted, ask:

• When will I get the contract?

• Are you sending it to my lender?

Even if they say yes, you send it too.

I cannot tell you how many times a buyer calls us upset, saying they’ve been in contract for two weeks and we were never notified. It happens all the time. Don’t assume — confirm.

Day one rule: your lender should know you’re in contract the same day you are.

Step 2: Talk Rates and Lock Your Loan

Once you’re in contract, that’s when you can lock your rate.

This is also when you look at:

• Loan type

• Rate options

• Whether buying down the rate actually makes sense

For me, I chose a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with zero points. The math didn’t justify paying thousands upfront for a rate that would take years to break even. I don’t need extra pressure in my life, and I don’t want to have to refinance later.

Lowest rate ≠ best decision.
The math always matters.

Step 3: Upload Updated Documents Right Away

Even if you were already fully underwritten, your lender may need:

• Updated pay stubs

• Updated bank statements

Get them uploaded immediately.

The faster your file goes back to underwriting, the less this process drags on — and the less it distracts you from work, your kids, and your daily life.

If you can knock this out on Day One, everything feels easier afterward.

Step 4: Order the Appraisal (And Consider a Rush)

Once your loan is locked, the appraisal gets ordered.

If you’re doing a conventional or FHA loan, you can request a rush appraisal for an additional cost.
If you’re using VA, rush appraisals aren’t allowed.

Do you need a rush? No.
Do some people want it done faster for peace of mind? Absolutely — and that’s okay.

Know your personality. If you’re anxious like me, efficiency is worth it.

Step 5: Wire Earnest Money — Safely

Your contract will say:

• How much earnest money you’re putting down

• How quickly it must be delivered to escrow

Before wiring anything, you must:

• Independently look up the escrow or title company

• Call their verified phone number

• Confirm wiring instructions verbally

Wire fraud is one of the biggest risks in real estate. Never trust wiring instructions without verification — ever.

Step 6: Get Your Homeowners Insurance Quote Day One

Insurance can kill a deal if you wait too long — especially in places like Florida.

Get a quote immediately so you know:

• The cost makes sense

• There are no surprises

• You’re not about to walk into something unmanageable

If the quote comes back way higher than expected, that’s information you need now, not weeks from now.

Step 7: Schedule Inspections (Yes, Even If the Lender Doesn’t Require Them)

Conventional and FHA loans do not require inspections.
That does not mean you should skip them.

I recommend:

• General home inspection

• Pool inspection (if applicable)

• Termite/pest inspection

• Mold inspection (especially in humid states)

• Sewer scope inspection

• Arborist inspection if there are large trees near the home

Inspections protect you from expensive surprises that an appraisal will never catch.

Save for them. Budget for them. They matter.

Step 8: Expect Day One to Take Time

I’m a professional, and this still took half my day.

So if you’re not in this world every day, assume it may take your whole day — and that’s normal.

Handle the big items immediately, and the rest of escrow becomes much easier to manage.

Final Thought

Your lender should work for you — not the seller, not the agent, not the transaction timeline.

When you start with a fully underwritten pre-approval and handle Day One correctly, everything else falls into place.

If you want help getting fully underwritten or have questions about your next steps, my team is happy to help. We work for you — always.

Call or Text (786) 933-2077

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