CostYour offer is accepted, and between now and closing day, several different payments come due at different points — not one lump sum, but a sequence worth understanding in advance.
Typical payment sequence, offer to closing
| Deposit | Within 24 hours of acceptance |
| Home inspection fee | At time of inspection, if applicable |
| Appraisal fee | Sometimes lender-paid, sometimes yours |
| Remaining down payment + closing costs | Due at closing, via your lawyer |
What usually happens
Your deposit, covered in our dedicated guide, is typically the first payment due, often within 24 hours of an accepted offer. Home inspection and appraisal fees, where applicable, are generally due around the time those services are performed, well before closing. The largest remaining amount — your remaining down payment plus closing costs — comes due through your lawyer's trust account shortly before or on closing day itself.
How to be ready for each one
- Know your deposit amount and have certified funds ready before you offer — the shortest timeline in the sequence, and the one buyers most often aren't prepared for.
- Budget separately for inspection and appraisal fees — smaller amounts, but real cash due earlier than most buyers expect.
- Confirm your lawyer's exact final funds requirement and deadline — this arrives via the statement of adjustments shortly before closing, not on closing day itself.
Who to ask
Your realtor can walk you through the typical sequence and rough timing for your specific market before you make an offer, and your lawyer will confirm your exact final closing funds requirement once the statement of adjustments is prepared. Budget your total picture, deposit through closing, using the closing cost calculator.