What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your North Atlanta Home?

A Step-by-Step Guide from Realtor® Rana Tayara

Congratulations — you’ve accepted an offer on your North Atlanta home!
That’s a major milestone, but it’s not quite the finish line.

Once you accept an offer, there’s a series of important steps that lead you from “under contract” to “closed.”
Understanding what happens next can help you stay calm, prepared, and confident every step of the way.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect after accepting an offer on your home in Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, or Johns Creek.

📝 Step 1: The Home Goes “Under Contract”

Once you and the buyer agree on the terms and sign the purchase agreement, your home is officially “under contract.”

This means:

• The property is temporarily off the market.

• Both parties must meet the deadlines outlined in the contract.

• Your Realtor® will coordinate communication between the buyer’s agent, lender, and closing attorney.
  
  

✅ Rana’s Tip:
Keep all communication clear and in writing. Your agent should track every timeline — including inspections, financing, and closing — to ensure no steps are missed.

🔍 Step 2: The Buyer’s Due Diligence Period

In Georgia, most contracts include a due diligence period — typically 7 to 10 days — during which the buyer can:

• Schedule inspections (home, termite, radon, etc.)

• Review disclosures and HOA documents

• Decide whether to proceed, renegotiate, or withdraw
  
  

During this time, buyers may request repairs or concessions based on inspection results.

✅ Rana’s Tip:
Be open to reasonable repair requests but strategic about what’s worth negotiating. In North Atlanta’s balanced market, sellers often agree to minor fixes or credits that help the deal move forward without major expense.

🏦 Step 3: The Appraisal

If the buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.

The appraiser reviews comparable sales in your neighborhood — for example, recent closings in Roswell, Milton, or Alpharetta ZIP codes (30075, 30009, 30004) — to ensure the price is justified.

If the appraisal matches or exceeds the contract price, the process continues smoothly.
If it comes in lower, the buyer and seller may need to renegotiate the price or terms.

✅ Rana’s Tip:
Before listing, I always provide my sellers with a pricing strategy backed by local comparable data — which minimizes surprises at appraisal time.

🧾 Step 4: Title Work and Attorney Review

In Georgia, real estate closings are conducted by attorneys, not title companies.
Once you’re under contract, the closing attorney will:

• Verify that the home’s title is clear of liens or ownership disputes.

• Prepare the legal documents for the transfer of ownership.

• Coordinate with the lender and both agents to ensure compliance.
  
  

✅ Rana’s Tip:
If your home has ever been refinanced or inherited, share all related paperwork upfront. It helps prevent last-minute title delays.

🧰 Step 5: Completing Repairs (if applicable)

If you agreed to make repairs as part of the negotiation, now’s the time to complete them.
Buyers often request receipts or verification from licensed professionals before closing.

Pro Tip: Always hire insured, reputable vendors — buyers and attorneys will require documentation for any major work completed.

✅ Rana’s Tip:
I maintain a trusted network of North Atlanta contractors, handymen, and inspectors who can complete repairs quickly and correctly to keep your sale on schedule.

💵 Step 6: The Loan Approval Process

While you handle your side of the transaction, the buyer’s lender finalizes loan underwriting.
During this time:

• The lender verifies income, employment, and assets.

• The appraisal and title documents are reviewed.

• Final approval (“clear to close”) is issued.
  
  

✅ Rana’s Tip:
Stay patient — financing can take a few weeks. I stay in close contact with all parties so you’re updated on every milestone.

📦 Step 7: Final Walkthrough and Closing

A few days before closing, the buyer typically does a final walkthrough to ensure the property’s condition matches the agreement.
This is not another inspection — just a quick check that repairs were completed and the home hasn’t changed.

Then comes the best part: Closing Day!
At closing, you’ll:

• Sign final paperwork transferring ownership.

• Hand over keys, garage openers, and any warranties.

• Receive your proceeds (usually via wire or check).
  
  

✅ Rana’s Tip:
Make sure the home is clean, empty, and ready before the walkthrough. A great final impression leads to a smooth closing and happy buyer.

❤️ Step 8: Celebrate and Move Forward

You did it — your home sale is complete! 🎉
Take a moment to celebrate your success and the start of your next chapter.

If you’re planning your next move — whether staying in North Atlanta or relocating out of state — I can help you connect with trusted professionals wherever you’re headed.

📞 Contact me, Rana Tayara, for guidance on your next home or investment opportunity.

💬 Ready to to sell your North Atlanta? I’ll walk you through the best approach for your price point, timeline, and neighborhood.
Reach out today to North Atlanta Realtor, Rana Tayara and let’s plan your next steps together.

Rana Tayara, Realtor® | Real Estate Advisor
Serving the Greater Atlanta Area — Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton & Johns Creek

📱 Call/Text: 678.294.3838
✉️ Email:        ranatayara@kw.com
🌐 Website:  www.RanaTayara.com