Morgan Tipton Real Estate
From Contract to Close
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From Contract to Close

A clear, organized path from accepted offer to closing day — no surprises, just confidence

What Happens After You Accept an Offer

You accepted an offer — congratulations! Now comes the 30-45 day stretch between contract and closing. This is where details matter and communication is everything. Here is exactly what to expect so you can move through each milestone with confidence.

The contract-to-close period is the most detail-intensive phase of selling your home. While it can feel like a lot is happening behind the scenes, having a clear understanding of the timeline and milestones keeps stress low and momentum high.

As your Realtor, I coordinate every step — from inspections to title work to the final walkthrough. Your job is to stay informed and responsive, and I make that easy.

The Closing Timeline: What to Expect

Every transaction is slightly different, but here is the general timeline for Tulsa home sales.

01

Days 1-3: Earnest Money & Title Work Begins

The buyer deposits earnest money (typically 1-2% of the purchase price) into escrow. The title company begins a title search to verify ownership history and ensure there are no liens or issues.
02

Days 3-10: Home Inspection Period

The buyer schedules a professional home inspection. Expect a detailed report — inspectors find something in every home. Most negotiations involve minor repairs or credits, not deal cancellation.
03

Days 10-14: Inspection Negotiations

Based on the inspection report, the buyer may request repairs or credits. I help you evaluate each request and respond strategically — protecting your bottom line while keeping the deal on track.
04

Days 14-25: Appraisal & Lending

The buyer's lender orders an appraisal to verify the home's value matches the contract price. The buyer's loan continues through underwriting and final approval.
05

Days 25-28: Final Walkthrough

The buyer does a final walkthrough to confirm the home is in the agreed-upon condition. Make sure any negotiated repairs are complete and the home is clean and ready.
06

Day 30: Closing Day

Both parties sign closing documents at the title company. Funds are transferred, the deed is recorded, and you hand over the keys. It typically takes 1-2 hours.
Cash offers can close in as little as 14-21 days since there is no lender involvement. Financed purchases typically take 30-45 days depending on the loan type.

Your To-Do List During Contract-to-Close

While I handle the coordination, there are a few things you will need to take care of during this period.

  • Respond promptly to any requests from the title company or lender
  • Complete any agreed-upon repairs before the final walkthrough
  • Keep the home in showing condition until closing
  • Continue paying your mortgage, utilities, and insurance until the sale is finalized
  • Gather all keys, garage door openers, and appliance manuals for the buyer
  • Schedule your moving date and utility transfers
  • Review the Closing Disclosure carefully before signing day

Understanding the Appraisal

The appraisal is one of the most important milestones in the closing process. It protects both the buyer and the lender by confirming the home is worth the agreed-upon price.

If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, everything moves forward smoothly. If it comes in low, there are several options:

Buyer Covers the Gap

The buyer brings additional cash to cover the difference between the appraised value and the contract price.

Seller Reduces Price

You agree to lower the sale price to match the appraised value.

Meet in the Middle

Both parties compromise, splitting the difference to keep the deal moving.

Challenge the Appraisal

If you believe the appraisal missed key comps or upgrades, your agent can submit a reconsideration of value.

Morgan's Advice
Low appraisals are less common in a strong market, but they do happen. Strategic pricing from the start is the best defense. When I price your home, I use the same methodology appraisers use — so surprises are rare.

Common Challenges (And How We Solve Them)

Not every transaction is perfectly smooth. Here are the most common hiccups and how we handle them.

Inspection Repair Requests

Most are reasonable. I help you distinguish between valid concerns and nitpicks, and negotiate credits when repairs are not practical.

Buyer Financing Delays

Sometimes underwriting takes longer than expected. Staying in communication with the buyer's agent keeps everyone informed and the deal intact.

Title Issues

Old liens, boundary disputes, or recording errors can surface. The title company works to resolve these, and most are fixable within the closing timeline.

What Happens on Closing Day

Closing day is the finish line. Here is what to expect and what to bring.

Closing typically takes place at a title company in Tulsa. You will review and sign the closing documents, including the settlement statement, deed, and any required disclosures.

Once everything is signed and funds are wired, the deed is recorded with Tulsa County and the sale is officially complete. I will be there with you to answer questions, review every document, and make sure everything goes smoothly.

What to Bring to Closing:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • All house keys, garage remotes, and gate codes
  • Appliance manuals and warranty information
  • Final utility readings or confirmation of transfer dates

Ready to Sell with Confidence?

From listing day to closing day, I handle the details so you can focus on your next chapter. Let me walk you through a personalized selling plan.

  • Full coordination from contract to close
  • Clear communication at every milestone
  • Expert negotiation on inspections and appraisals
  • Smooth, stress-free closing experience
Schedule a Consultation
Morgan Tipton
Realtor® | Tulsa, OK
Instagram:@morgantipton.realtor