Sellers Accepted Your Offer, Now What? 5 Steps to Navigating the Mortgage Process in East Texas
Posted on June 24, 2026
You did it! After weeks (or maybe even months) of browsing listings, touring houses in Longview, and finally finding “the one,” the seller just called and said those four magic words: Your offer was accepted.
First of all, take a breath. That’s a huge win! If you’re a first-time homebuyer, your heart is probably racing with a mix of pure excitement and a little bit of “Wait, what do I do now?” It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. You’ve crossed the first major finish line, but there’s still a journey ahead before you get those keys in your hand.
Did you know that the period between the offer being accepted and the day you move in, often called the "escrow" or "closing" period, usually takes about 30 to 45 days? It might seem like a long time, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make sure your investment is safe and your loan is solid.
At Greenlight Mortgage, we’re not just another longview mortgage company; we’re your neighbors. We’ve guided hundreds of families through the mortgage process after offer accepted, and we’re here to make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
Let’s talk about the five essential steps you’ll navigate over the next few weeks.
Step 1: The "Executed" Contract and Your Earnest Money
Now that both you and the seller have signed the paperwork, you have what’s called an "executed contract." This is the official starting gun for the entire process.
First, let's look at the money. In Texas, you typically have to put down "Earnest Money." Think of this as a security deposit that shows the seller you’re serious about buying the house. Usually, it’s about 1% of the purchase price. You’ll also likely pay an "Option Fee," which gives you the unrestricted right to back out of the deal for a set number of days (the "Option Period").
Why this matters:
- Your Lender Needs the Contract: As soon as that contract is signed, you need to get a copy to your team here at Greenlight Mortgage. We can't officially start the full loan processing until we have the final, signed deal in our hands.
- The Clock is Ticking: Many of the deadlines in your contract are based on the "Effective Date." If you’re not aware, missing a deadline for earnest money or inspections can put your deposit at risk.
We always tell our clients: don't wait! Send that contract over the same hour you get it. If you’re looking for mortgage companies in Longview Texas that move as fast as you do, you’ve found the right place.
Step 2: The Option Period and Home Inspection
If you’re wondering, "the sellers accepted offer now what?", this is the most critical window for your peace of mind. In East Texas, the Option Period is usually 7 to 10 days. This is your time to play detective.
You’ll want to hire a professional home inspector to look at everything, from the foundation to the roof, and every light switch in between. Since we live in a beautiful part of the country with lots of pine trees and red clay, we also recommend checking for things like wood-destroying insects (termites) and foundation stability.
What happens if they find something?
It can be confusing to see a 40-page inspection report full of "defects." Take a deep breath! Most of those items are minor. However, if there are big issues (like a roof that needs replacing or electrical problems), your Realtor will help you negotiate with the seller. You might ask for a repair, a credit toward your closing costs, or a reduction in the price.
If the seller won't budge on a major issue, the Option Period allows you to walk away with your earnest money intact. It’s your safety net.
Step 3: Appraisal and Underwriting (The "Nitty-Gritty")
While you’re focusing on inspections, my team and I are working hard on the financial side. This is where the mortgage process after offer accepted gets a bit more technical.
The Appraisal:
Your lender (that’s us!) will order an appraisal. An independent appraiser will visit the home to determine its fair market value. Why? Because the bank wants to make sure the house is actually worth what you’re paying for it. If the appraisal comes back lower than the sales price, we’ll need to figure out a solution, like the seller dropping the price or you covering the gap.
Underwriting:
This is the part where "The Underwriter" reviews every single detail of your financial life. They’ll check your pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and credit history one last time.
Pro-Tip from Kenneth: Please, please, please do not make any big purchases during this time! Don't buy a new truck, don't open a new credit card for furniture, and don't quit your job. Even a small change in your debt-to-income ratio can jeopardize your loan approval. If you're unsure about a financial move, just call us first!
Step 4: Homeowners Insurance and the Final Numbers
As we get closer to the finish line, we need to make sure your new home is protected. You’ll need to choose a homeowners insurance policy. Since we’re a local Longview mortgage company, we know plenty of great local agents who understand the specific needs of East Texas homes (like hail and wind coverage!).
Once your insurance is set and the underwriter gives us the "Clear to Close," we’ll send you a document called the Closing Disclosure (CD).
What to look for in your CD:
- Your Final Interest Rate: Confirm it’s what you expected.
- Cash to Close: This is the exact amount of money you need to bring to the title company.
- Closing Costs: We’ll break down every fee so there are no surprises. You can read more about what lender closing costs actually are here.
Federal law requires you to have this document at least three business days before you sign the final papers. This gives you time to review everything and ask us any questions. I’ll ease your confusion on any line item you don’t recognize: transparency is how we treat family.
Step 5: Closing Day (Welcome Home!)
This is it! The big day. You’ll head to a local title company office: likely right here in Longview or nearby in Gilmer or Jefferson: to sign a mountain of paperwork.
What to bring:
- A valid photo ID: (Drivers license or passport).
- Certified Funds: Usually a cashier's check or a confirmed wire transfer for your "Cash to Close."
- Your "Signing Hand": You’re going to be signing your name a lot!
Once the papers are signed and the lender (Greenlight!) sends the funds to the title company, the loan is "funded." This is when you finally get the keys.
Wait, there’s one more thing…
At Greenlight Mortgage, we don’t think our job ends when the papers are signed. We want to make your transition as smooth as possible. That’s why we offer a free moving truck to our clients! We know how expensive and stressful moving can be, so let us take that burden off your shoulders. It’s just one of the ways we try to be the best mortgage company in Longview Texas.
You’re Not Doing This Alone
Buying your first home is a huge milestone, and while the mortgage process after offer accepted has a lot of moving parts, you don't have to navigate it by yourself. Whether you’re just starting to look at neighborhoods in Longview or you’ve just had an offer accepted today, our team is ready to fight for your dream of homeownership.
We pride ourselves on handling the "tough" cases that other lenders can't close. We’re local, we’re family-owned, and we truly care about our East Texas community.
Ready to get started or have questions about your recent offer?
- Call us: (903) 331-0892
- Visit us: www.kennethtravis.com
- Stop by: We’d love to see you at our office in Longview!
Let’s turn that "Accepted Offer" into a "Welcome Home."
