Three things happen immediately after acceptance:

Earnest money wire: within 1-3 business days (check your contract for the exact deadline), wire the earnest money to the escrow company or closing attorney. Typical: 1-3% of purchase price. This is at risk if you default without a contingency exit. Verify wire instructions by phone using a number you looked up independently — never from an email. Wire fraud is the #1 financial crime in real estate.

Formal mortgage application: your pre-approval becomes a full application with the specific property address. Your lender locks the rate (or you float), orders the appraisal, and begins processing. Submit every document requested within 24 hours to keep the timeline on track.

Calendar every deadline: mark the inspection period end date, financing contingency deadline, appraisal deadline, and closing date immediately. Missing a contingency deadline can inadvertently waive your exit rights.

Schedule the home inspection immediately — inspectors book 3-7 days out in competitive markets. Attend the inspection (2-4 hours); you receive the written report within 24 hours.

Your response options after inspection findings:
• Request seller repair specific items before closing
• Request a credit toward closing costs in lieu of repairs
• Accept as-is if findings are minor
• Exit the contract using the inspection contingency if findings are material

Sellers typically respond to repair requests in 3-5 days. All repair agreements should be in writing with completion dates before the contingency deadline. In Florida: also schedule any specialty inspections (pool, septic, sinkhole) concurrently — they run on the same inspection window.

Appraisal (days 7-21): lender orders independently; appraiser visits and delivers a report. If value equals or exceeds contract price: underwriting continues. If value comes in low: price renegotiation required before underwriting can proceed.

Underwriting (days 10-21): the underwriter reviews your complete file and issues an "approval with conditions" — items you must provide before the loan funds. Respond to every condition request within 24 hours. Common conditions: homeowners insurance binder, HOA questionnaire, updated pay stubs, explanation letters.

Clear to Close (CTC): issued when all conditions are satisfied. You receive the Closing Disclosure (CD) at least 3 business days before closing — review every number line-by-line against your original Loan Estimate.

Final walkthrough (24-48 hours before closing): verify all agreed repairs are complete, property is in the same condition as at contract, and all included items are present.

Closing day: wire closing funds the day before (not morning-of — wire cutoffs vary). Bring government-issued photo ID. Sign approximately 100-150 pages. Receive keys upon recording confirmation.