The short answer
Once the contract is signed you enter the escrow period, typically 30 to 45 days with financing. You deliver the escrow deposit within days, complete inspections inside your inspection period, the lender orders the appraisal and underwrites the file, the title company clears title, and you do a final walkthrough before closing. Every step runs on a contract deadline, and missing one can cost you the deposit.
- Typical escrow
- 30–45 days
- Deposit due
- Usually 3 days
- Inspection period
- 7–15 days
- Final walkthrough
- 24–48 hrs before
01
The escrow timeline in order
| Days | Milestone | Who drives it |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Escrow deposit delivered | Buyer |
| 1–5 | Inspections scheduled and performed | Buyer |
| 5–12 | Inspection response or repair request | Both parties |
| 7–18 | Appraisal ordered and returned | Lender |
| 10–28 | Underwriting conditions cleared | Buyer and lender |
| 15–30 | Title search, estoppel, payoff ordered | Closing agent |
| 30–35 | Closing Disclosure, walkthrough, closing | All |
02
Your inspection period is the real leverage window
This is when you can cancel or renegotiate on condition. Use it fully — general inspection plus any specialist follow-ups. Bring the tour notes from what to look for when touring a house to the inspector.
- General home inspection
- Wind mitigation and four-point where insurers require them
- Roof, AC, and plumbing follow-ups if flagged
- Association documents, budget, reserves, and assessments
- Written insurance quote for the exact address
03
What can derail a deal at this stage
- Appraisal below contract price with no gap coverage
- New debt or a job change during underwriting
- Unpermitted work or open permits found in title
- Insurance declined due to roof age or prior claims
- Missed contract deadlines, which can waive your contingencies
04
Money moving in the background
Your deposit sits with the closing agent and is credited at closing — see what an escrow deposit is. The rest of your cash is due at closing, itemized on the Closing Disclosure alongside buyer closing costs.
Deadline management is where deals are saved, which is why buyers lean on real estate agents in Hollywood, FL to track inspection, financing, and association approval dates rather than tracking them alone.
The same rules apply for clients across Miramar and Hallandale Beach and the surrounding South Florida communities.