Buying a Home in San Diego Madeline Foley January 27, 2026
Getting your offer accepted is exciting, but it also marks the start of escrow. This phase is structured, time-sensitive, and built around three critical pillars that guide the transaction forward: inspections, appraisal, and the loan.
For buyers in Imperial Beach and Coronado, understanding these pillars early helps reduce stress and keeps expectations realistic.
The inspection period comes first. This is when buyers investigate the condition of the home and gather information to make informed decisions. Inspections help confirm the property’s condition and identify any concerns that may need to be addressed before moving forward.
Next is the appraisal. The appraisal ensures the home’s value supports the agreed-upon purchase price. In competitive markets, this step is important because it protects both the lender and the buyer. A strong agent helps anticipate appraisal challenges and navigate them if they arise.
The final pillar is the loan contingency. This is where the lender completes underwriting and confirms the buyer’s ability to close. Clear communication between the buyer, agent, and lender is key during this phase to avoid unnecessary delays.
For military buyers, there is an additional step that is often overlooked. If your spouse may be deployed, training, or otherwise unavailable during escrow, it is critical to set up a Power of Attorney early. This ensures documents can be signed on time and prevents last-minute stress that could jeopardize the transaction.
Once these three pillars are cleared, the path to closing becomes much smoother. While escrow still requires attention to detail, the biggest hurdles are behind you.
For buyers in Imperial Beach, San Diego, Coronado, knowing what happens after acceptance allows you to move through escrow with confidence, preparation, and peace of mind.
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