What Happens After I Accept an Offer on My House in the Greater Tulsa Area?

Accepting an offer is the start of the last stretch, not the finish line. Once the contract is signed by both you and the buyer, title and escrow are opened, the buyer deposits earnest money, the inspections happen, the appraisal is completed, the buyer's loan moves toward approval, and then closing day arrives. In the Greater Tulsa Area, closing has usually taken about 30 days once you're under contract. With new appraisal reports going into effect November 2, 2026, the closing timeline can potentially be closer to 45 days, depending on the loan program.

Whether you're selling in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, Collinsville, Coweta, Glenpool, or Catoosa, these steps follow the same order.

I'm Christina Shortsleeve, a REALTOR® with REMAX Results, and I help sellers across the Greater Tulsa Area through every step of the sale. I send my sellers weekly updates, so you always know where things stand.

Your contract is fully executed once it's agreed to and signed by both you and the buyer. That's when the timeline starts, and every deadline after it is based on the contract dates.

Once the contract is signed, title and escrow are opened. The buyer then deposits their earnest money, generally within 3 days of the executed contract, though that can vary based on how the contract is written.

The buyer schedules their inspections during the inspection period. After the inspections, the buyer may submit a request for repairs, and you and the buyer negotiate from there.*

When repair requests come in, I'll walk you through each request and your options, so you can respond clearly. If you're preparing to sell, my article on making repairs before you sell explains how to address some of these early.

*Options may vary based upon contract terms.

If the buyer is using a loan, their lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's value supports the price. A mortgage inspection report is also required by the lender when there's a loan. In Oklahoma, the title company orders it, and it shows the property's boundaries and, in most cases, utility easements.

From there, the buyer secures their loan, removes their contingencies, and the loan documents are ordered.

Shortly before closing, the buyer walks through the home one more time to confirm it's in the condition agreed to and that any negotiated repairs were completed.

As the seller, you'll pre-sign your closing documents before closing day. Plan to be fully moved out the day before closing, so the buyers can move in on the day of closing.

On closing day, the buyer signs their closing documents, the loan is funded and recorded, and the sign comes down. That's when the home officially belongs to the buyers and they receive the keys.

If you're planning your next move, my article on whether to sell first or buy first can help you line up the timing.

• Treating the accepted offer as the finish line. There are still inspections, an appraisal, and the buyer's loan ahead.
• Waiting too long to plan the move. You'll want to be fully moved out the day before closing, so start packing and scheduling early.
• Reacting to a repair request before reviewing it. Every request is a negotiation, and I'll walk through your options with you first.

How long does it take to close after accepting an offer in the Greater Tulsa Area?

Previously, closing usually took about 30 days. With new appraisal reports going into effect November 2, 2026, the closing timeline can potentially be closer to 45 days, depending on the loan program.

When does the buyer pay earnest money?

Usually within 3 days of the executed contract, though it can vary based on how the contract is written.

Do I have to make the repairs the buyer asks for?

No. A repair request is part of a negotiation. Options may vary based upon contract terms.

When do I need to be moved out?

Plan to be fully moved out the day before closing, so the buyers can move in on the day of closing.

When do sellers sign their closing documents?

Sellers pre-sign their closing documents before closing day.

If you're thinking about selling, start with a complimentary home value, and when you're ready, send me a message. I'll walk you through every step from listing to closing, with weekly updates along the way.

Christina Shortsleeve is a REALTOR® with REMAX Results in the Greater Tulsa Area, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with a clear plan. She has sold 127 homes since 2020.