Under Contract… Now What? A Step-by-Step Guide for Wicomico County Home Sellers

Once you accept an offer on your home, it feels like you’ve reached the finish line — but really, you’re just entering the most important stage of the entire selling process. The steps between “Under Contract” and “Closing Day” are where all the legal, financial, and logistical pieces come together.

Here’s a clear, simple breakdown of what Wicomico County home sellers can expect once their home goes under contract.

1. Contract Signed? The Clock Starts Immediately

Once both parties sign, the transaction becomes legally binding. Your timeline officially begins.

Within the first 5 days, you can expect:

• The buyer’s deposit to be delivered

• Your agent to send the contract to the title company

• A welcome email or phone call from the title team

This part moves quickly — and your agent keeps everything organized for you.

2. Inspections Are Usually First

Most buyers schedule home inspections within the first few days.
A typical inspection may include:

• Full home inspection

• Termite/pest inspection

• Well/septic (if applicable)

• Radon (depending on buyer)

After inspections, buyers may:

• Accept everything as-is

• Request certain repairs

• Ask for a repair credit

• Or renegotiate depending on findings

This is normal — and your agent will guide you through how to respond strategically.

3. Appraisal Comes Next

If the buyer has financing, the lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.

Here’s what sellers should know:

• You don’t have to be home

• Your home does not have to be perfect — just clean and accessible

• Your agent provides comps to support the value

• If the appraisal comes in low, there are options
  (price adjustment, buyer paying difference, splitting the gap, or challenging the appraisal)

Most appraisals come in fine — especially when your agent has priced the home correctly.

4. Title Work Begins Behind the Scenes

Your title company checks:

• Ownership

• Old mortgages

• Liens

• Judgments

• Surveys

• Easements

• HOA/POA fees (if any)

They confirm the home can transfer cleanly to the buyer.
You may be asked to sign a few documents electronically — nothing stressful.

5. Lender Finalizes Buyer Approval

On the buyer’s side, their lender is working on:

• Employment verification

• Credit conditions

• Underwriting

• Final loan approval

You won’t have to do much here — but delays can happen.
Your agent will keep you updated if timelines shift.

6. Prepare for Moving and Utility Transfers

As closing gets closer, it’s time to get practical:

• Schedule movers

• Notify USPS

• Update mailing address

• Plan utility shutoff for the day after settlement

• Keep the home in the same condition as when it went under contract

Most sellers use this time to pack in stages to keep stress low.

7. Final Walkthrough

Usually the day before or morning of closing, the buyers do a quick walkthrough.

Their goal is to make sure:

• The home is in the same condition

• Any agreed-upon repairs are completed

• Nothing major changed since the inspection

Simple, quick, and usually easy.

8. Closing Day!

On closing day, you’ll:

• Bring a photo ID

• Sign seller documents

• Hand over keys, remotes, codes

• Receive your proceeds (check or wire)

And just like that — you’re officially sold.

Final Thoughts

The time between “under contract” and “closing” is full of moving parts, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be stressful. My job is to keep everything organized, protect you from surprises, and make sure your sale moves forward smoothly from start to finish.

If you’re thinking about selling — or already getting interest — I’d be happy to walk you through every step.

Written by Shawn Long

Realtor® with ERA Martin Associates
Helping people move forward on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
📞 410-251-8193
🌐 www.ShawnSellsDelmarva.com