Putting in an offer is a major milestone, but it’s not the finish line. In fact, it’s where a lot of important and sometimes stressful steps begin. From inspections to appraisals to insurance and title work, there are a number of moving parts that can delay or derail your purchase—especially in a competitive market like Cape Coral.
At Gulf Coast RE Group – Realty One MVP, we’ve helped many people make sense of the process after an offer is accepted. Our team works closely with buyers to ensure they’re informed, prepared, and never left wondering what’s next. With one of the most experienced groups of real estate agents in Cape Coral, we’re committed to helping you move from accepted offer to closing with clarity and confidence.
In this blog, we’ll walk through exactly what happens after you make an offer, highlight some common delays that can pop up in the Cape Coral market, and explain how to stay ahead of issues before they become problems.
1. The Offer Is Accepted—Now What?
When your offer is accepted, it’s a big moment—but it doesn’t mean the home is yours just yet. A lot still needs to happen before you get the keys.
Here’s what typically follows:
- Earnest Money Deposit: You’ll need to submit your earnest money—usually 1% to 3% of the home’s price—as a sign of good faith. This is held in escrow and later applied to your closing costs.
- Signed Purchase Agreement: Both parties sign a formal contract outlining the sale terms, including contingencies, timelines, and any repairs to be negotiated.
This phase sets the tone for the rest of the transaction. Staying organized and responsive is key.
2. Schedule the Home Inspection
Within a few days of the offer being accepted, your home inspection should be scheduled. This is one of the most critical steps in buying a home.
A licensed inspector will check the property’s condition—including the roof, HVAC system, plumbing, and foundation—and alert you to any concerns. Based on the report, you may:
- Request repairs or credits
- Accept the property as-is
- Walk away if your contract includes an inspection contingency
Cape Coral homes, especially older properties or homes near the water, sometimes reveal issues like:
- Roof wear from tropical weather
- Flood zone compliance
- Outdated plumbing or electrical systems
3. Begin the Title Search and Insurance Process
Title work begins shortly after the purchase agreement is signed. A title company will investigate the home’s history to ensure there are no legal issues like:
- Liens
- Unpaid taxes
- Ownership disputes
Simultaneously, you’ll need to secure homeowners insurance, and in many parts of Cape Coral, flood insurance is also required. These are not just formalities—they’re required by your lender and essential to protect your investment.
4. The Appraisal: A Bank’s Safety Net
Your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. If it appraises for less than your offer:
- You can renegotiate the price
- Pay the difference out-of-pocket
- Or, in some cases, back out if your contract includes an appraisal contingency
Appraisal delays are common in fast-moving markets. In Cape Coral, high demand has put pressure on appraisers, so expect a wait of 7–10 days or longer.
5. Underwriting and Final Loan Approval
Even if you’ve been pre-approved, underwriting still needs to happen. Your lender will verify income, debts, employment, and credit again. You’ll be asked to submit additional documentation—and timing is everything.
Common underwriting hiccups include:
- Incomplete paperwork
- Large deposits without documentation
- Employment changes during the process
Working closely with your lender and staying responsive will keep things on track.
6. Local Delays Buyers Should Be Aware Of
In addition to the typical steps, there are a few Cape Coral-specific challenges that can cause delays:
- Permitting backlogs: Homes with recent renovations may need permits verified, which can slow down title work.
- Seasonal demand: Winter months bring more out-of-town buyers, which means inspectors, appraisers, and title companies are stretched thin.
- Flood zone certifications: In some neighborhoods, confirming elevation and flood zone compliance can add days to the timeline.
Having a local real estate agent who understands these challenges can make a huge difference in preventing surprises.
7. Final Walkthrough and Closing Day
Just before closing, you’ll complete a final walkthrough to make sure the home is in the agreed-upon condition. If repairs were negotiated, this is your chance to confirm they were done properly.
At closing, you’ll sign the final paperwork, pay your closing costs, and receive the keys. This typically happens at a title company or attorney’s office.
From offer to closing, the process usually takes 30–45 days—but unexpected issues can push that timeline longer.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s Why You Don’t Have to Be.
When buying a home in Cape Coral, it’s easy to feel like there are too many moving parts. What if something goes wrong during inspection? What if the title search reveals a problem? How long is this really going to take?
These are valid concerns, but the good news is you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Gulf Coast RE Group – Realty One MVP, we bring clarity to a process that often feels complicated. Our team of real estate experts in Cape Coral helps buyers move from accepted offer to successful closing without unnecessary delays or surprises. We work with trusted local professionals—inspectors, lenders, title companies, and insurance agents—to make sure every step is handled with care and urgency.
We understand the local real estate market inside and out, and we know how to keep things moving in the right direction—even when challenges pop up.
Ready to buy a home in Cape Coral with confidence? Contact Gulf Coast RE Group – Realty One MVP today. With one of the most experienced and responsive teams of local real estate agents in Cape Coral, we’re here to make your next home purchase smoother, faster, and less stressful.