Congratulations—you’re under contract.
From here, the process is a series of coordinated steps that move you from contract to closing. Each step has deadlines. I track timelines, coordinate the moving parts, and flag issues early.
Your job is simple:
Stay responsive to requests from your lender/title company
Avoid major financial changes until after closing
Ask questions anytime something feels unclear
Congratulations—you’re under contract.
From here, the process is a series of coordinated steps that move you from contract to closing. Each step has deadlines. I track timelines, coordinate the moving parts, and flag issues early.
Your job is simple:
Stay responsive to requests from your lender/title company
Avoid major financial changes until after closing
Ask questions anytime something feels unclear
Quick Timeline: Contract to Closing (Ohio)
Earnest money
Home Inspections
Appraisal
Loan Process & Underwriting
Title & closing prep
Closing day
Quick Timeline: Contract to Closing (Ohio)
Earnest money
Home Inspections
Appraisal
Loan Process & Underwriting
Title & closing prep
Closing day
Key Things to Know During the Under‑Contract Process
Earnest Money: Earnest money is protected by the contract. If you exit under a valid contingency, you typically receive it back. I’ll confirm delivery and receipt.
Fraud safety: Deposit instructions should be provided directly at the time of deposit and verified through a trusted source.
Inspection rule of thumb: We focus on safety, structure, and expensive systems. We don’t renegotiate cosmetic items or known conditions.
Good to know (Appraisal): A low appraisal is a speed bump—not a deal killer. Many appraisal issues are resolved through data, negotiation, or structure.
Normal (Underwriting): Periods of silence from your lender are common and usually mean the file is moving through underwriting as expected.
Important — Wire Fraud Warning: Never trust wiring instructions sent by email or text. Always verify instructions by calling the title company using a known, verified phone number before sending funds.
Key Things to Know During the Under‑Contract Process
Earnest Money: Earnest money is protected by the contract. If you exit under a valid contingency, you typically receive it back. I’ll confirm delivery and receipt.
Fraud safety: Deposit instructions should be provided directly at the time of deposit and verified through a trusted source.
Inspection rule of thumb: We focus on safety, structure, and expensive systems. We don’t renegotiate cosmetic items or known conditions.
Good to know (Appraisal): A low appraisal is a speed bump—not a deal killer. Many appraisal issues are resolved through data, negotiation, or structure.
Normal (Underwriting): Periods of silence from your lender are common and usually mean the file is moving through underwriting as expected.
Important — Wire Fraud Warning: Never trust wiring instructions sent by email or text. Always verify instructions by calling the title company using a known, verified phone number before sending funds.
Under Contract in Ohio FAQs
What happens right after my offer is accepted?
Typically: earnest money delivery, inspections scheduled, lender file moves into underwriting, title work begins, and closing prep starts.
When do I pay earnest money in Ohio?
Your contract sets the exact deadline. Treat it as a priority to avoid delays or risk.
Can I lose my earnest money?
Earnest money rules depend on the contract and contingencies. If you terminate under a valid contingency, you typically receive it back. Disputes can arise when contract terms aren’t followed.
What should we ask for after inspection?
Focus on safety concerns, structural issues, and major system defects—not cosmetic items or known conditions.
What if the appraisal is low?
Options commonly include renegotiation, bringing funds to cover the gap, or challenging the appraisal with stronger comparable sales (when appropriate), depending on contract terms.
What does “Clear to Close” mean?
It means underwriting has approved the loan and the lender is ready to move forward to closing, subject to final closing steps.
When do I get the keys?
Key timing depends on the possession terms in your contract—often at closing, sometimes later.
How do I avoid wire fraud at closing?
Never accept wiring instructions via email or text alone. Always verify using a known phone number before sending funds.
Under Contract in Ohio FAQs
What happens right after my offer is accepted?
Typically: earnest money delivery, inspections scheduled, lender file moves into underwriting, title work begins, and closing prep starts.
When do I pay earnest money in Ohio?
Your contract sets the exact deadline. Treat it as a priority to avoid delays or risk.
Can I lose my earnest money?
Earnest money rules depend on the contract and contingencies. If you terminate under a valid contingency, you typically receive it back. Disputes can arise when contract terms aren’t followed.
What should we ask for after inspection?
Focus on safety concerns, structural issues, and major system defects—not cosmetic items or known conditions.
What if the appraisal is low?
Options commonly include renegotiation, bringing funds to cover the gap, or challenging the appraisal with stronger comparable sales (when appropriate), depending on contract terms.
What does “Clear to Close” mean?
It means underwriting has approved the loan and the lender is ready to move forward to closing, subject to final closing steps.
When do I get the keys?
Key timing depends on the possession terms in your contract—often at closing, sometimes later.
How do I avoid wire fraud at closing?
Never accept wiring instructions via email or text alone. Always verify using a known phone number before sending funds.
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