What Happens After You Accept an Offer? The Florida Home Selling Timeline Explained

After you accept an offer in Florida, you are typically 30 to 45 days from closing, but a lot happens in between. Here is exactly what takes place, week by week, and what can delay it.

Days 1 to 3: Escrow and contract

The buyer's earnest money deposit is delivered to the title company and held in escrow. Both sides sign the contract, and your agent confirms dates: inspection period, financing deadline, appraisal deadline, and closing.

Days 1 to 15: Inspection period

The buyer orders a home inspection, and in Florida, typically a four-point inspection and a wind mitigation report for insurance. You receive a list of requested repairs or credits. You can agree, negotiate, or decline, depending on whether your contract is AS IS or standard.

Days 7 to 21: Appraisal

The buyer's lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home supports the contract price. A low appraisal triggers renegotiation. This is the most common source of delay for sellers who priced at the top of the market.

Days 15 to 30: Buyer underwriting

The lender verifies income, assets, and employment. Delays here usually come from missing documentation rather than from problems with the buyer.

Days 20 to 40: Title and HOA

The title company searches for liens and ownership issues and prepares the deed. If the home is in an HOA or condo association, an estoppel letter and association questionnaire are ordered, and condo boards can take two weeks or more to respond. This is the single most common cause of delay in Florida.

Final week: Walkthrough, signing, recording

You move out before or shortly after closing. The buyer walks the home one final time. Both parties sign, the lender funds, the deed records, and the proceeds are disbursed. Florida sellers usually get paid the same day as recording.

What commonly delays closing

• A low appraisal requiring renegotiation
• HOA estoppel letters that take longer than expected
• Buyer financing issues discovered late in underwriting
• Repairs agreed to but not completed on time
• Title issues, such as open permits or old liens

How to protect your timeline

1. Keep the home accessible for the appraisal and inspections.
2. Complete agreed repairs early, with receipts.
3. Respond to title requests immediately.
4. If you are in an HOA, ask about estoppel turnaround at the start.
5. Plan your move so you are not dependent on closing day for housing.

Frequently asked questions

Can the buyer still walk away? Yes, within the inspection period and if financing fails under the contract's terms.

When do I move out? Typically by closing day, though you can negotiate a few days of post-closing occupancy.

What if the appraisal is low? You can lower the price, the buyer can bring cash, or you can cancel and find another buyer.

Do I get paid at closing? Usually the same day, once the deed records.

If you want to know what your specific timeline would look like, I can map out the dates before you even list.