Hey there, it’s Carl from NOLA Buys Houses. For more than 20 years, I’ve been helping homeowners in New Orleans sell their houses fast, often for cash. A lot of times people as me…
“What happens after I accept a cash offer?”
It’s a great question, because a lot of people think the process ends when you say “yes” to the offer. Actually, accepting the offer is the beginning of the final stretch. The good news? With a cash sale, the rest of the process is usually simple, stress-free, and much faster than selling with a realtor.
In this article, I’ll walk you through step by step what happens after you accept a cash offer, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Sign the Purchase Agreement
Once you agree to a cash offer, the first step is putting it in writing. We’ll draw up a simple purchase agreement that spells out:
· The agreed-upon price
· Who pays closing costs (I do)
· The expected closing date
· Any special terms we discussed (like giving you extra time to move out)
This isn’t some 30-page legal document full of fine print. In fact, it’s only a page and a half. It’s straightforward, easy to understand, and designed to protect both of us.
Step 2: Title Search & Due Diligence
After the agreement is signed, we deliver the purchase agreement and the deposit to the title company and they get to work. Their job is to make sure the property can legally transfer to the buyer without issues.
Here’s what they check:
· Liens or back taxes – If you owe anything, it’ll be paid off at closing.
· Heirs or ownership disputes – This comes up often with inherited properties.
· Code enforcement liens – These need to be cleared or accounted for.
In New Orleans, this step is especially important because properties often have complex histories—families passing homes down through generations, unpaid tax bills, or code enforcement cases. I work with the title company to clear these things up fast, so you don’t have to stress. Don’t worry if you owe anything. It will be paid at closing out of the sale proceeds. Right off the top, so nobody has to come out of pocket with any money and the remaining sale proceeds will be split up accordingly amongst the owners, just like normal.
Step 3: (Sometimes) An Inspection or Walkthrough
Unlike traditional sales, cash buyers don’t require a full inspection, appraisals, or bank approvals. That’s one of the biggest benefits.
That said, depending on the condition of the property, I may do a quick walkthrough with my contractor or architect. This isn’t about nitpicking repairs—it’s just to confirm what we already discussed and make sure we can move forward smoothly. Many times it’s also about getting a jump on things. Making sure we have measurements for material orders or getting subcontractors to look at certain aspects of the work so they can prepare their part and schedule the work.
The key difference: we buy houses as-is. I won’t come back to you asking for repairs, concessions, or price reductions like most retail buyers would.
Step 4: Set the Closing Date
Once title is cleared, we set a closing date that works for you. Want to close in 7 days? No problem. Need a month to move out, sort through belongings, or find a new place? That’s fine too.
This flexibility is one of the biggest perks of selling to a local company that buys houses for cash, like us. You’re not stuck working around a bank’s schedule or waiting for a buyer’s loan approval—you pick the date, and we make it happen.
Step 5: Closing Day
Closing day is where it all comes together. We meet at the title company’s office, sign a few documents (usually 10–15 minutes max), and the property officially transfers to me.
Here’s what you get:
· A check or wire transfer for the sale amount
· Proof that liens, back taxes, or mortgages are paid off
· Peace of mind knowing the house is no longer your responsibility
There’s no mountain of paperwork like when banks are involved. It’s quick, simple, and you walk out with your money the same day.
Step 6: After Closing
Once the deal is closed, you’re free to move on—whether that’s paying off debts, relocating, or just enjoying the relief of not dealing with the property anymore.
A lot of my sellers tell me that this moment feels like a weight has been lifted. The stress of dealing with repairs, code enforcement, or mortgage payments is gone, and they can finally focus on what’s next.
Real-Life Example
Not long ago, I worked with a seller who inherited a house in Mid City that needed a ton of work. She was living out of state and couldn’t deal with the repairs or maintenance.
I made her a fair cash offer, she accepted, and here’s what happened next:
· We signed the purchase agreement in a day.
· The title company found some old liens, but I worked with them to get everything cleared.
· Two weeks later, we closed. She didn’t even have to come back to New Orleans—we handled everything remotely.
She got her cash, the property was no longer a burden, and I took on the repairs. That’s how it is working with us here at NOLA Buys Houses…simple and stress-free.
Why Cash Sales Are Different from Realtor Sales
When you sell through a realtor, here’s what happens after you accept an offer:
· The buyer schedules an inspection (and usually asks you for repairs).
· The bank requires an appraisal.
· The buyer has to finalize financing (which can take 30–60 days).
· If anything goes wrong with any of the pieces in play, the deal can fall apart.
With cash buyers, none of that applies. That’s why I can close in as little as 7 days, while realtor deals often drag on for months.
Final Thoughts
Accepting a cash offer is just the beginning—but the steps that follow are simple compared to selling traditionally.
With NOLA Buys Houses, here’s what happens after you say yes:
1. We sign a simple purchase agreement.
2. Title is checked and cleared.
3. I may do a quick walkthrough.
4. You pick your closing date.
5. We close in as little as 7 days.
6. You get your cash and move on stress-free.
If you’re thinking about selling your house in New Orleans and want a fast, fair cash offer, call me today at 504-264-1407 or visit nolabuyshouses.com. We buy houses in New Orleans fast with cash!