What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Home in Nashville, TN?

What happens after you accept an offer on your home in Nashville, TN?
Once you accept an offer on your home in Nashville, TN, you’ll enter the contract-to-close phase. This includes inspections, appraisals, buyer financing, title work, and closing day. Each step requires attention and teamwork to move from offer to successful sale.

H2: Understanding the Contract-to-Close Timeline

Once you’ve accepted an offer to sell your home, it might feel like you’re at the finish line—but in reality, it’s just halftime. This phase is critical, and understanding it will help you avoid delays, costly mistakes, and unnecessary stress. Here’s what to expect as a Nashville seller.

H2: Step 1 – Earnest Money and Binding Agreement

Once you and the buyer sign the purchase agreement, you’ve reached what’s called the “binding agreement date.” In Tennessee, the buyer will typically submit an earnest money deposit (usually 1–2% of the sale price), which is held in escrow until closing.

Pro Tip from Nik Shewmaker: If the earnest money isn’t submitted in time or correctly, it can throw off the entire deal. Keep communication tight with your agent and title company.

H2: Step 2 – Home Inspection Period

Most contracts in Nashville allow the buyer a 7- to 10-day inspection window. This is when a licensed home inspector evaluates your property for any issues. Here’s what you should know:

• The buyer may request repairs, credits, or price adjustments based on inspection results.

• You can choose to agree, counter, or refuse these requests.

While you’re not obligated to fix everything, how you respond can make or break the deal.

H2: Step 3 – Appraisal (If the Buyer Has Financing)

If your buyer is using a mortgage, the lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. In Nashville’s current market, where values have stabilized in many neighborhoods, appraisals are usually accurate—but not always.

• If the home appraises below the contract price, the buyer may ask to renegotiate.

• If it appraises at or above, you’re one big step closer to the finish line.

H2: Step 4 – Buyer Financing Approval

During this time, the buyer’s lender is finalizing their loan. They’ll be reviewing credit, income, employment, and verifying everything about the home (title, insurance, etc.).

As the seller, you’ll mostly wait during this step—but delays can still happen. This is why working with a knowledgeable local real estate expert like Nik Shewmaker Nashville’s Nik can keep the process on track.

H2: Step 5 – Title Search and Closing Preparation

The title company will run a title search to make sure your home is free of any liens or legal issues. If something shows up, it must be resolved before closing.

Meanwhile, you’ll receive a Seller’s Closing Disclosure, which outlines your net proceeds, taxes, commissions, and more. Nik will review this with you to ensure it’s accurate.

H2: Step 6 – Final Walkthrough and Closing Day

The buyer typically gets a final walkthrough 24 to 48 hours before closing. This ensures the home is in the same condition as when they agreed to purchase it and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

Closing day usually happens at a local title office or attorney’s office. You’ll sign the documents, hand over the keys, and officially transfer ownership.

H2: What Can Go Wrong (and How to Avoid It)

Even after an accepted offer, things can go sideways. Here are common pitfalls:

• Delayed appraisal or financing – Be prepared with documentation and allow your agent to stay in close contact with the lender.

• Inspection disputes – Set realistic expectations, and remember that buyers aren’t looking for perfection, just safety and functionality.

• Title issues – Work with a reputable title company to uncover and address potential concerns early.

Working with an experienced Nashville agent like Nik Shewmaker minimizes these risks and keeps things moving.

H2: Local Insight – Nashville Market Expectations

In Nashville, the average time from accepted offer to closing is about 30 days, but this can vary. Hot areas like East Nashville, 12 South, Sylvan Park, and Brentwood can sometimes move faster due to strong buyer demand. Rural or luxury properties may take longer depending on appraisal complexities.

According to the Greater Nashville REALTORS®, the median sales price in Davidson County as of May 2025 was $530,000, and homes stayed on the market for an average of 41 days.

H2: Tips to Keep the Closing Process Smooth

Here’s what you can do to help ensure a drama-free closing:

• Stay in close touch with your agent.

• Keep your home in great condition until you hand over the keys.

• Handle requested repairs quickly.

• Be flexible with scheduling.

And most importantly: trust your expert.

H2: Partner With Nik Shewmaker Nashville’s Nik

The days between offer and closing are when your agent earns every bit of their commission. That’s where Nik Shewmaker comes in.

Nik has guided countless Nashville-area sellers through the maze of inspections, appraisals, and negotiations with confidence, clarity, and care. Her goal? To protect your interests while making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Conclusion: You’re Almost There

Once you accept an offer, the real work begins—but you don’t have to do it alone. From the binding agreement to closing day, Nik Shewmaker is your advocate, educator, and steady guide.

Ready to sell your home in Nashville with confidence? Let’s get you to the finish line—together.

Nik Shewmaker (NashvillesNik)

615-585-0022

Nashvillesnik@gmail.com