You’ve found your dream home. You’ve made an offer. The seller accepted. Congratulations!
Now comes the part most buyers don’t see coming: the real work begins.
Most people think that once a contract is signed, it’s smooth sailing to closing. But the truth? The period between contract and closing is where deals can fall apart—and where having the right agent makes all the difference.
At Katie Burke Homes, I don’t just hand you off to a transaction coordinator and disappear. I’m personally involved in every single step, making sure nothing slips through the cracks. Here’s exactly what happens behind the scenes—and who’s actually doing the work.
Week 1: The Critical Foundation
Day 1-3: Contract Execution & Initial Coordination
What’s happening:
- Contract is fully executed and distributed to all parties
- Earnest money deposit is submitted to escrow
- Loan application process kicks into high gear
- Home inspection is scheduled
- Title company begins title search
Who’s doing the work:
Me. I’m personally coordinating with the listing agent, your lender, the title company, and the inspector. I’m reviewing every document, confirming deadlines, and making sure everyone has what they need. You’ll get a detailed timeline from me with every important date clearly marked.
Me. I’m personally coordinating with the listing agent, your lender, the title company, and the inspector. I’m reviewing every document, confirming deadlines, and making sure everyone has what they need. You’ll get a detailed timeline from me with every important date clearly marked.
Day 4-7: The Home Inspection
What’s happening:
- Professional inspector examines the property top to bottom
- Inspector provides detailed report (usually 30-50 pages)
- We review findings and determine what needs to be addressed
Who’s doing the work:
Me. I attend the inspection personally (whenever possible) to ask questions and understand any issues firsthand. Then I review the entire report with you, explaining what’s normal wear-and-tear versus what’s a legitimate concern. Together, we strategize on what to request from the seller.
Me. I attend the inspection personally (whenever possible) to ask questions and understand any issues firsthand. Then I review the entire report with you, explaining what’s normal wear-and-tear versus what’s a legitimate concern. Together, we strategize on what to request from the seller.
Week 2: Negotiation & Problem-Solving
Inspection Negotiations
What’s happening:
- We submit repair requests or credit requests to the seller
- Seller responds (accepts, counters, or declines)
- We negotiate until both parties reach agreement
- Inspection contingency is removed (or we walk away if issues are too severe)
Who’s doing the work:
Me. This is where my negotiation skills really matter. I’m crafting the repair request strategically, prioritizing what’s most important, and negotiating with the listing agent to get you the best outcome. I’m also getting contractor estimates if needed to justify our requests.
Me. This is where my negotiation skills really matter. I’m crafting the repair request strategically, prioritizing what’s most important, and negotiating with the listing agent to get you the best outcome. I’m also getting contractor estimates if needed to justify our requests.
Appraisal Ordered
What’s happening:
- Lender orders appraisal to confirm the home’s value
- Appraiser visits the property
- Appraisal report is delivered to lender
Who’s doing the work:
Me (coordinating). I’m scheduling the appraiser’s access, providing comparable sales data to support the value, and staying in touch with your lender to ensure the appraisal comes in on time. If the appraisal comes in low, I’m immediately strategizing solutions with you.
Me (coordinating). I’m scheduling the appraiser’s access, providing comparable sales data to support the value, and staying in touch with your lender to ensure the appraisal comes in on time. If the appraisal comes in low, I’m immediately strategizing solutions with you.
Week 3-4: The Lending Marathon
Loan Processing & Underwriting
What’s happening:
- Lender reviews your financial documents in detail
- Underwriter requests additional documentation (they always do)
- Loan conditions must be satisfied
- Title work continues
Who’s doing the work:
Me (and you, with my guidance). I’m in constant communication with your lender, tracking the loan’s progress and making sure nothing stalls. When the underwriter requests “just one more document,” I’m helping you understand what they need and why. I’m also following up with the title company to ensure the title is clear and ready.
Me (and you, with my guidance). I’m in constant communication with your lender, tracking the loan’s progress and making sure nothing stalls. When the underwriter requests “just one more document,” I’m helping you understand what they need and why. I’m also following up with the title company to ensure the title is clear and ready.
Title & Survey Issues
What’s happening:
- Title company searches public records for liens, judgments, or ownership issues
- Survey confirms property boundaries
- Any title issues must be resolved before closing
Who’s doing the work:
Me. If a title issue pops up (old lien, estate matter, boundary dispute), I’m working with the title company and listing agent to get it resolved quickly. These issues can derail closings, so I stay on top of them aggressively.
Me. If a title issue pops up (old lien, estate matter, boundary dispute), I’m working with the title company and listing agent to get it resolved quickly. These issues can derail closings, so I stay on top of them aggressively.
Week 4-5: The Home Stretch
Final Walk-Through
What’s happening:
- You do a final walk-through of the property (usually 24-48 hours before closing)
- We verify that agreed-upon repairs were completed
- We confirm the property is in the same condition as when you went under contract
Who’s doing the work:
Me. I’m there with you, checklist in hand. We’re testing appliances, checking repairs, and making sure everything is as it should be. If something’s not right, I’m on the phone immediately to address it before closing.
Me. I’m there with you, checklist in hand. We’re testing appliances, checking repairs, and making sure everything is as it should be. If something’s not right, I’m on the phone immediately to address it before closing.
Clear to Close
What’s happening:
- Lender issues “clear to close” (the golden ticket)
- Closing is officially scheduled
- Final numbers are prepared
Who’s doing the work:
Me. I’m confirming with the lender that we’re truly clear to close, reviewing your Closing Disclosure to ensure the numbers are correct, and coordinating the closing time and location with all parties.
Me. I’m confirming with the lender that we’re truly clear to close, reviewing your Closing Disclosure to ensure the numbers are correct, and coordinating the closing time and location with all parties.
Closing Day: The Finish Line
What’s happening:
- You sign approximately 50-100 pages of documents
- Funds are wired and verified
- Keys are released
- You officially own your new home!
Who’s doing the work:
Me. I’m at the closing table with you (or available by phone if it’s a remote closing), reviewing documents, answering questions, and making sure everything is executed correctly. After closing, I’m confirming that keys, garage openers, and access codes are transferred to you.
Me. I’m at the closing table with you (or available by phone if it’s a remote closing), reviewing documents, answering questions, and making sure everything is executed correctly. After closing, I’m confirming that keys, garage openers, and access codes are transferred to you.
Post-Closing: I’m Still Here
What’s happening:
- You move in and start your new chapter
- Occasionally, post-closing issues arise (warranty questions, utility transfers, contractor recommendations)
Who’s doing the work:
Me. My job doesn’t end at closing. I’m here for questions, referrals, and support long after you’ve moved in. You’re not just a client—you’re part of the Katie Burke Homes family.
Me. My job doesn’t end at closing. I’m here for questions, referrals, and support long after you’ve moved in. You’re not just a client—you’re part of the Katie Burke Homes family.
The Difference Is in the Details
Here’s what you need to know: Not all agents work this way.
Many agents hand off the transaction to an assistant or coordinator after the contract is signed. They’re already focused on their next deal while you’re left navigating inspections, appraisals, and lender requests with someone who doesn’t know you or your situation.
At Katie Burke Homes, I’m personally involved from contract to closing—and beyond. I’m the one making the calls, solving the problems, and ensuring your transaction closes smoothly and on time.
Because you deserve an agent who’s actually doing the work—not just collecting a commission.
Ready to Experience the Katie Burke Difference?
Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, you deserve an agent who’s with you every step of the way. Let’s talk about your real estate goals and how I can help you achieve them.
Contact Katie Burke Homes today—because your transaction deserves more than a handoff.