You found the house.
You wrote the offer.
After some negotiating, you get the call you've been waiting for:
Your offer was accepted!
First of all—celebrate.
Getting under contract on a home is exciting.
But once the excitement settles, most buyers immediately have the same question:
"Okay… what happens now?"
Going under contract isn't the end of the home-buying process. It's actually the beginning of one of the busiest parts.
Between your offer being accepted and getting the keys, there are inspections, lender requirements, an appraisal, title and escrow work, paperwork, deadlines, a final walkthrough, signing, funding, and recording.
It sounds like a lot.
The good news?
You're not supposed to manage all of it by yourself.
Your Realtor, lender, escrow/title team, inspectors, and other professionals each play a role in moving the transaction toward closing.
Here's what Las Vegas homebuyers can generally expect between going under contract and getting the keys.
Step 1: You're Officially Under Contract
Once the purchase agreement is fully executed, the transaction moves into escrow and the clock starts on the deadlines established in your contract.
Those deadlines matter.
Your contract may include timeframes involving things such as:
Earnest money
Inspections and due diligence
Financing
Appraisal
HOA documents, when applicable
Other agreed-upon contingencies
Closing
Every transaction is different, so don't rely on a friend's timeline or something you read online.
Follow your contract.
Your Realtor should help you understand the important dates from the beginning.
Step 2: Deposit Your Earnest Money
One of the first things you'll typically need to handle is your earnest money deposit, sometimes called an EMD.
Earnest money is money deposited as part of the purchase transaction according to the terms of your contract.
The amount and deadline will be established in your purchase agreement.
Your escrow/title company will provide instructions for delivering the funds.
Be Extremely Careful With Wire Instructions
Real estate transactions can be targets for wire fraud.
Never send money based solely on unexpected emailed instructions.
Before wiring funds, verify the instructions using a trusted phone number or another established method with the appropriate escrow/title company.
If anything changes unexpectedly, stop and verify.
A five-minute phone call is worth it when you're moving thousands of dollars.
Step 3: Schedule Your Home Inspection
Next up: inspections.
Your home inspection gives you an opportunity to learn more about the property's condition during the due diligence period established in your contract.
A general home inspector may evaluate visible and accessible components and systems such as:
Roof
HVAC
Plumbing
Electrical
Water heater
Windows and doors
Appliances
Interior and exterior components
Attic areas when accessible
Other visible systems
Depending on the property, you may also consider specialized evaluations.
These could involve:
Pool and spa
Roof
HVAC
Plumbing
Sewer
Solar
Structural concerns
Other property-specific items
The appropriate inspections depend on the home.
A property with a pool, solar system, older HVAC equipment, or signs of previous water damage may warrant different due diligence than a newer property without those features.
Step 4: Review the Inspection Results
Inspection reports can look terrifying.
Even a well-maintained home can produce a report that's dozens of pages long.
Don't panic just because the report is lengthy.
Your goal isn't necessarily to find a house with zero issues.
Your goal is to understand what you're buying.
Review the report carefully and pay particular attention to items involving:
Safety
Major systems
Active leaks
HVAC
Roof
Electrical concerns
Plumbing
Pool equipment
Significant deferred maintenance
Other potentially costly issues
Then discuss your options with your Realtor based on the contract and inspection findings.
Step 5: Decide How to Handle Inspection Concerns
Depending on your contract and the circumstances, inspection findings may lead to additional discussions with the seller.
Buyers sometimes ask questions such as:
Should we request repairs?
Should we request a credit?
Is this issue worth negotiating?
Should we obtain a specialist's opinion?
Is this something I can handle after closing?
Does this change whether I want the house?
This is where strategy matters.
Not every loose doorknob needs to become a negotiation.
At the same time, significant issues shouldn't be ignored because you're emotionally attached to the house.
The goal is to make an informed decision.
Step 6: Your Lender Keeps Working Behind the Scenes
While you're focused on inspections, your lender is busy too.
Once you're under contract, your financing moves deeper into the loan process.
Your lender may request updated documentation involving:
Income
Employment
Bank accounts
Assets
Insurance
Debts
Source of funds
Other financial information
Respond quickly when your lender asks for something.
Delays in providing documents can create delays later in the transaction.
Step 7: Please Don't Buy a Car
I'm serious.
Once you're under contract, avoid making major financial changes without speaking to your lender first.
That can include:
Financing a vehicle
Opening a new credit card
Buying furniture on credit
Changing jobs
Moving large amounts of money between accounts
Making unusually large purchases
Co-signing for someone else's loan
Even if you've already been preapproved, your lender may continue verifying financial information before closing.
That brand-new truck will still be there after you get the keys.
Talk to your lender before doing anything that could affect your finances or credit.
Step 8: The Appraisal Is Ordered
If you're financing the home, your lender will generally require an appraisal.
The appraisal helps the lender evaluate the property in connection with the loan.
An appraiser may consider factors such as:
Property characteristics
Condition
Location
Comparable sales
Market data
This is different from a home inspection.
Inspection vs. Appraisal
These two get confused all the time.
The inspection is primarily about helping you understand the property's condition.
The appraisal is primarily part of the lender's process for evaluating the property for financing.
An appraisal should not be treated as a substitute for an inspection.
Step 9: What If the Appraisal Comes in Low?
If an appraisal doesn't support the agreed purchase price, don't immediately assume the transaction is dead.
What happens next depends on:
Your contract
Financing
Any appraisal-related terms or contingencies
The seller
The buyer
The amount of the difference
Potential next steps may involve further review, negotiation, additional buyer funds, a price adjustment, or other options depending on the circumstances.
Your Realtor and lender can help you understand the available options for your specific transaction.
Step 10: Title and Escrow Are Working Too
While all of this is happening, your escrow/title team is handling another major part of the transaction.
Their responsibilities may include coordinating documents and funds, researching title matters, preparing transaction paperwork, and helping move the file toward closing.
If something requires your attention, respond promptly.
Real estate transactions involve a lot of people working simultaneously behind the scenes.
Step 11: Review HOA Documents if the Home Has an HOA
Buying in an HOA community?
You'll have another set of documents to review.
Depending on the property and association, these may contain information about:
HOA fees
Rules and regulations
CC&Rs
Financial information
Assessments
Parking restrictions
Pet rules
Rental restrictions
Amenities
Architectural requirements
Actually read them.
If you have an RV, trailer, multiple pets, plans to rent the property, or want to make exterior modifications, pay particularly close attention.
You don't want to learn after closing that something important to your lifestyle isn't permitted.
Step 12: Handle Solar Documents if Applicable
If the property has solar panels, determine exactly what you're buying.
Is the solar:
Owned and paid off?
Financed?
Leased?
Subject to another agreement?
If an agreement needs to transfer or financing needs to be addressed, that process should be handled well before closing.
Your lender may also need solar-related documentation.
Don't let this become a last-minute surprise.
Step 13: Shop for Homeowners Insurance
Your lender will generally require homeowners insurance before closing when you're financing the purchase.
Start this process early.
Don't assume every property will have the same premium.
Insurance considerations can vary based on the home and coverage.
If the property has features such as a pool or other unique characteristics, make sure your insurance professional has the information necessary to provide an appropriate quote.
Step 14: Your Loan Goes Through Underwriting
Eventually, your loan moves through underwriting.
This is where the lender reviews the loan file and determines whether the financing requirements are satisfied.
You may receive additional requests for documentation.
That's normal.
You might feel like you've already sent your bank statement 47 times.
Send it again.
The faster you respond, the easier it is to keep the transaction moving.
Step 15: Start Planning Your Move
Once the major pieces of the transaction are progressing, you can start getting serious about your move.
That may include:
Getting moving quotes
Planning utility transfers
Changing your address
Arranging internet service
Scheduling movers
Packing
Planning pet logistics
Coordinating travel if you're relocating
Reviewing community move-in requirements
Just be careful about making arrangements that can't be changed until you're confident about the closing timeline.
Real estate transactions can occasionally experience delays.
Step 16: Review Your Closing Numbers
As closing approaches, you'll receive financial information showing what you'll need to bring to closing and the costs associated with your purchase.
Review everything carefully.
Ask questions if something doesn't make sense.
You may see items involving:
Down payment
Loan costs
Prepaid expenses
Insurance
Taxes
Escrow-related charges
Title-related charges
Credits
Other transaction costs
Don't wait until you're sitting down to sign to ask why a number looks different from what you expected.
Step 17: Complete Your Final Walkthrough
We're getting close.
Before closing, buyers typically have an opportunity to conduct a final walkthrough of the property according to the contract.
This isn't another full home inspection.
The purpose is generally to confirm the property's condition and ensure the home is in the expected state before closing.
During the walkthrough, you may check that:
The property is still in the expected condition
Agreed-upon items remain
The seller has removed personal belongings as required
Agreed repairs appear to have been completed
Major systems are still functioning
There hasn't been obvious new damage
This is your last opportunity to physically see the home before ownership transfers, so don't rush it.
Step 18: Signing Day
This is the moment that finally makes everything feel real.
You'll sign your closing documents.
There can be a lot of paperwork.
Take your time.
Ask questions when needed.
Depending on the transaction and closing arrangements, signing may occur before the actual day the transaction records.
And this is important:
Signing does not necessarily mean you own the home yet.
There's still another step.
Step 19: Funds Are Sent and the Transaction Moves Toward Recording
After all required documents and funds are in place, the transaction moves toward completion.
Your lender may fund the loan, and the escrow/title team coordinates the remaining closing requirements.
This is why buyers shouldn't assume they'll receive keys the second they finish signing.
We're close.
Very close.
But not quite there.
Step 20: Recording
In a typical Nevada real estate transaction, ownership isn't treated as transferred simply because you signed documents.
The appropriate deed documents must be recorded as part of completing the transaction.
Once confirmation is received that the transaction has recorded and closing requirements have been satisfied, then we can move to everyone's favorite part.
Step 21: YOU GET THE KEYS! 🔑
This is it.
The inspections.
The lender emails.
The appraisal.
The paperwork.
The bank statements.
The signatures.
The stress.
The excitement.
It all leads here.
Once the transaction has officially closed according to the contract and appropriate confirmation has been received, it's time to get your keys.
Welcome home.
How Long Does All of This Take?
There's no universal timeline.
The length of a Las Vegas home purchase depends on factors such as:
Financing
Contract terms
Inspection periods
Appraisal
Property condition
HOA documents
Solar transfers
Title issues
Buyer and seller circumstances
Loan underwriting
Other transaction-specific factors
Some transactions move smoothly from beginning to end.
Others hit a few bumps.
That's normal.
What's important is having a team that communicates with you and keeps track of the moving pieces.
Who Is Doing What During the Transaction?
One reason buying a home can feel overwhelming is because there are so many people involved.
Your Realtor
Helps manage the transaction, contractual deadlines, negotiations, inspections, communication, walkthrough, and the overall process.
Your Lender
Handles your mortgage financing, underwriting, appraisal coordination, and loan requirements.
Your Inspector
Evaluates the property's condition within the scope of the inspection.
Escrow/Title
Handles important closing, title, document, and fund-related components of the transaction.
You
Respond quickly, provide requested documents, avoid major financial changes, ask questions, and start packing.
You don't need to understand every part of the process before buying your first home.
You need the right people helping you through it.
The Biggest Mistake Buyers Make After Going Under Contract
They relax too much.
Your offer being accepted is exciting, but there are still important deadlines and responsibilities ahead.
During this period:
Check your email
Answer your phone
Respond to your lender
Review documents
Meet contractual deadlines
Ask questions
Avoid major financial changes
Don't assume everything is handled unless someone confirms it
You don't need to obsess over the transaction every hour.
But disappearing for a week probably isn't the move either.
Your Las Vegas Home-Buying Timeline at a Glance
The process generally looks something like this:
Offer Accepted → Earnest Money → Inspections → Due Diligence → Appraisal → Loan Processing → HOA/Solar Review if Applicable → Underwriting → Final Numbers → Final Walkthrough → Signing → Funding → Recording → KEYS 🔑
There may be additional steps depending on the property and transaction.
But that's the basic journey from "Offer accepted!" to "Welcome home."
Final Thoughts
Going under contract is one of the most exciting moments in the home-buying process.
But it's not the finish line.
The period between an accepted offer and getting the keys is where a lot of important work happens.
At Waldeck Real Estate Group, our job is to help you understand what's happening, what's coming next, and what needs your attention throughout the transaction.
You shouldn't have to wake up every morning wondering:
"Wait… am I supposed to be doing something?"
We'll help you navigate the process from the day your offer is accepted through inspections, appraisal, financing, walkthrough, closing, and finally—
getting those keys. 🔑
Buying a home in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, or North Las Vegas? Let's get you from home search to homeowner.
This article provides a general overview of the home-buying process and is not legal, lending, tax, or financial advice. Contract terms, deadlines, escrow procedures, financing requirements, and closing processes vary by transaction. Buyers should follow their specific purchase agreement and guidance from the appropriate real estate, lending, escrow, legal, and other professionals.
