Twenty-two stops. Five phases. The full journey from "let's start looking" to "here are your keys" — laid out so you always know where you are and what comes next.
Buyer · Lender
Prove to sellers you can afford the home before you ever tour it. The strength of your pre-approval shapes which offers get serious attention.
Seller
Publish your home on Abode. The listing carries the photos, the description, and the schedule of available showings.
Buyer
Filter, save, and tour. The right home is the one that fits your timeline, your budget, and your needs — in roughly that order.
Buyer
Send the price, terms, and contingencies in writing. The clock starts the moment the seller receives it.
Buyer & Seller
Back-and-forth on price, timing, and what's included. The Negotiation Room records every change for both parties.
Buyer & Seller
Both parties sign the final terms. The deal moves from "we're discussing" to "we're under contract."
Buyer · Title/Escrow
Buyer's good-faith deposit (typically 1–3% of price) goes into escrow. It signals you mean business.
Title Company
The title company opens the file, sets up the escrow account, and begins the title search on the property.
Buyer · Inspector
An independent inspector walks the property. Buyer typically has 10 days to request repairs, renegotiate, or walk.
Buyer & Seller
Buyer asks for repairs, price reductions, or credits. Seller can accept, counter, or refuse the requests.
Lender · Appraiser
The lender hires an independent appraiser to confirm the property is worth what you're paying for it.
Buyer · Lender
Final review of your finances. The underwriter approves the loan, conditions it on more documents, or denies it.
Title Company
Title company verifies a clear ownership history and issues title insurance to the lender (and optionally to you).
Buyer
Buyer secures a policy and provides proof to the lender. No insurance, no closing — this is non-negotiable.
Lender
The lender's final approval. The closing date is locked in and both parties prepare for the closing table.
Buyer
Buyer confirms the property is in the agreed-upon condition. Usually 24–48 hours before closing.
Buyer · Lender
Lender provides the final, itemized cost breakdown. Required to be in your hands at least 3 business days before signing.
Buyer & Seller
Both parties sit at the closing table and sign the deed, the note, and roughly forty other documents.
Title Co. · Lender
Lender wires the loan funds, the title company records the deed with the county, and ownership officially transfers.
Seller → Buyer
Possession transfers from seller to buyer. Welcome home.
Buyer
Forward your mail with USPS, transfer or activate utilities, and update your driver's license and voter registration.
Buyer · Lender
Due roughly 30 days after closing. Confirms your loan servicer and starts the equity-building clock.
That's the whole journey. Every stop above links to a deeper dive in our Education Center.