Once you accept an offer on your home, many sellers feel like the hard part is over. In reality, there are still important steps happening behind the scenes — especially if the buyer is financing the purchase. Understanding this phase helps you stay calm and confident as we move toward closing.

After we’re officially in contract, the buyer’s lender begins full underwriting. This means they are verifying the buyer’s income, assets, credit, and employment in detail. It’s normal for lenders to request additional documents from buyers during this stage. From the seller’s perspective, this is simply part of the loan approval process.

One of the most important steps during this period is the appraisal. The lender orders an appraisal to confirm that your home’s value supports the agreed purchase price. The appraiser will visit the property, take measurements and photos, and compare your home to recent comparable sales in Columbus and Delaware, Ohio.

If the appraisal comes in at value, we continue moving forward toward closing as planned. If it comes in low, that does not mean the deal is automatically over. We review our options carefully. This may involve renegotiating the price, the buyer bringing additional funds, or adjusting terms in a way that works for both parties.

Throughout this process, I stay in close communication with the buyer’s agent and lender. We monitor timelines, track contingency deadlines, and make sure all documentation stays aligned. Clear communication is what keeps transactions moving smoothly.