After your offer is accepted, what happens next? From earnest money and inspections to appraisal, underwriting, and closing day, here’s a simple, step-by-step timeline of the home buying process. If you’re feeling excited but unsure about what comes next, this guide will walk you through every stage so you can move forward with confidence.

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. As Realtors, we see many first-time buyers run into the same questions and surprises along the way. This guide shares the things we wish every first-time homebuyer knew before starting the process, so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and far less stress.