You found the house, made the offer, waited, and then heard the best words in the process: your offer was accepted. Take a breath and enjoy it, because that's a real milestone.

Then comes the question almost every buyer asks: what now? There are still a few steps between an accepted offer and the keys. Here's how it usually goes in Ontario.

1. Know whether your offer is conditional or firm

A conditional offer means certain things still have to happen, often financing approval, a home inspection, or a condo status review, usually within about five business days. Until those conditions are met, the home is "conditionally sold." Once you waive them, or if your offer had no conditions, the sale becomes firm and both sides are committed.

2. Submit your deposit

Usually within 24 hours of acceptance, you'll provide a deposit. This isn't your full down payment. It's a good-faith amount, held in trust, that goes toward your purchase price at closing.

3. Finalize your mortgage

Even with a pre-approval, your lender still has to approve the specific property. They'll confirm your income and employment and often order an appraisal. One important tip: don't make big financial moves right now. No new car, new credit cards, or large loans, since those can affect your final approval.

4. Book your home inspection

If your offer included an inspection condition, schedule it right away. The inspector checks the major systems, the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. The goal isn't a perfect house. It's catching anything major so we can negotiate repairs, a credit, or a price change if needed.

5. Hire a real estate lawyer

Your lawyer handles the legal side: reviewing the agreement, running a title search, registering your mortgage, and preparing the closing documents. You'll usually sign about a week before closing.

6. Line up insurance, utilities, and address changes

Your lender will want proof of home insurance before releasing funds, so arrange that once the sale is firm. Then set up hydro, water, gas, and internet for your move-in date, and update your address with your bank, employer, and the CRA.

7. Final walkthrough and closing day

Shortly before closing, we'll visit the home one last time to confirm it's in the expected condition and any agreed repairs are done. On closing day, the lawyers handle the transfer, the property is registered in your name, and you get the keys.

An accepted offer is the start of the home stretch, and you don't have to figure it out alone. If you're buying in Fergus, Elora, or Centre Wellington and want to know what to expect, get in touch. The Buyer's Guide lays out the full process, and you can always browse featured listings while you plan.