Direct Home Sale Steps: From Match to Keys

The short version

A direct sale has the same milestones as any home sale. What changes is who does each job: instead of two agents, the buyer and seller agree on terms themselves, and licensed pros they choose (a title company, a lender, sometimes an attorney) handle the regulated parts.

Typical timelines, from accepted offer to closing:

• Bank loan: about 30 to 50 days. Underwriting, the appraisal and the three-business-day Closing Disclosure period set the pace.
• Cash: often 1 to 2 weeks. No loan underwriting and no lender appraisal.
• Assumable mortgage: usually longer than a new loan, because the servicer has to approve the buyer.
• Seller financing: no outside lender, so it can move closer to a cash timeline once the documents are drafted.

The steps

Step	Who handles it	Typical timing
1. Get ready: options, price, pre-approval or proof of funds	Seller; buyer and their lender	Before you list or shop
2. Get verified and matched	Buyer and seller, on Clavesta	Ongoing until you match
3. Agree on terms and sign a contract; earnest money into escrow	Buyer and seller; attorney or title company	A few days
4. Inspection, and any repair credits	Buyer’s inspector; both parties	Early, within the inspection period in the contract
5. Financing: underwriting and appraisal, or proof of funds	Lender, servicer or the parties	Most of the 30 to 50 days for a bank loan
6. Title search, insurance and final walkthrough	Title company; buyer	Runs alongside financing
7. Closing: sign, fund, record, keys	Title company or closing attorney	Closing day

1. Get ready

Sellers: check which ways to sell fit your mortgage and what you’d keep with the free options to sell tool, then set a price. Buyers: get a pre-approval from a lender you choose, or gather proof of funds for a cash purchase. Not sure a bank will lend? Try the private mortgage check.

2. Get verified and matched

On Clavesta, both sides verify their identity, and sellers show they own the home. Buyers and sellers are matched on price, ways to buy and timing, then chat and schedule viewings.

3. Agree on terms and sign a contract

You and the other side agree on the price, the closing date, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal) and any credits. Clavesta shows the math; the parties decide. A real estate attorney or title company prepares the purchase contract, and the buyer’s earnest money goes into escrow with the title company or attorney, never with Clavesta.

4. Inspect

The buyer’s home inspector checks the property (a rough estimate is $300 to $500; get a quote). If something turns up, the parties agree on repairs or a credit, or the buyer can walk away within the inspection period set in the contract.

5. Finance

• Bank loan: apply with your lender, who orders the appraisal and underwrites the loan until you’re clear to close.
• Cash: share proof of funds with the title company.
• Assumable mortgage: the servicer reviews the buyer’s credit and income and approves the assumption. The buyer brings the equity gap in cash or with a second loan.
• Seller financing: an attorney drafts the note and deed of trust, and a licensed loan originator handles the regulated underwriting where it applies.

6. Title and final checks

The title company confirms the seller owns the home free of surprises and prepares title insurance. Bank-loan buyers receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing: compare it with your Loan Estimate. The buyer does a final walkthrough shortly before closing.

7. Close

Both sides sign, funds move through escrow, any existing mortgage is paid off, the deed is recorded, and the keys change hands.

What it costs

Selling or buying directly, there’s no agent commission unless someone chooses to hire an agent. Closing costs still apply, paid to the providers you choose. See closing costs explained, run the closing costs and savings calculator, or see what Clavesta costs.