What Happens After Your Home Goes Under Contract? Here Are 10 Steps

By Bryan David

Bryan David is one of the best REALTORS® serving Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport and the entire coast. He is a Biloxi native, military veteran and retiree, and a multi-year top-producing agent with hundreds of satisfied clients.

So you’re under contract… What now? The paperwork is signed, the deal is in motion, and now the real work begins. Whether you’re buying or selling a home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, this next phase can feel like a sprint filled with deadlines, inspections, and key decisions. It’s not just about waiting for closing day. It’s about knowing exactly what steps to take so nothing falls through the cracks.

Start with the right title company. Early on, choose a reliable title company to handle the title search and prepare legal documents. The buyer typically picks, but both sides can agree.

Schedule the home inspection quickly. Buyers should book a licensed home inspector within 10 business days. Inspectors check major systems like HVAC, roof, and plumbing. New builds need certified inspectors. Sellers should expect some findings; buyers should focus on big-ticket issues.

Negotiate repairs. Once the inspection report is in, the buyer and seller begin negotiating repairs or potential credits. These conversations can get tense, which is why having a skilled agent is essential. Emotions can easily derail an otherwise solid deal.

Get insurance quotes. Insurance, especially flood insurance, is critical on the coast. Buyers should gather quotes early, and if a flood policy is being transferred, confirm that the paperwork is in motion. Delays here can affect your closing timeline.

Coordinate your move early. Sellers should begin packing as soon as the contract is signed. Buyers should arrange for movers, notify utility providers, and update their address with essential contacts. Waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary stress for both sides.

Appraisals and termite inspections matter. If there’s a loan involved, the lender will order an appraisal. The home must appraise at or above the purchase price. Around the same time, schedule a termite inspection called a wood-destroying insect report or WDIR. On the Gulf Coast, termite activity is common and treatable, but early action is key.

Schedule a reinspection if needed. If repairs were made, the buyer should consider bringing the inspector back to confirm that the work was completed correctly. It’s a small step that can prevent bigger problems later.

Do a final walkthrough before closing. Typically, 24 to 48 hours before closing, the buyer walks through the property to confirm it’s clean, empty, and matches the agreed-upon condition. Sellers should ensure all items are removed and utilities are set to transfer.

Closing day: the finish line. At closing, buyers sign paperwork, wire funds, and receive the keys. Sellers sign documents and get their check. It’s the final step in a long process, and when done right, it’s also the most rewarding.

If you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest anywhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, partnering with a local expert makes all the difference. For guidance every step of the way, call 228-215-1861 or send an email to bhgre@expectrealty.com. Visit expectrealty.com for further information.