Trust The Real Estate Experts!John Ernst, REALTOR®CALL: 770-855-2763
Seven Terms to Watch for in a Purchase Contract
-
The closing date. See if the date the buyer wants to take title is reasonable for you.
-
Date of possession. See if the date the buyer wants to move in is reasonable for you.
-
The earnest money. Look for the largest earnest money deposit possible; since it is forfeited if the buyer backs out, a large deposit is usually a good indication of a sincere buyer.
-
Fixtures and personal property. Check the list of items that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it’s acceptable.
-
Repairs. Determine what the requested repairs will cost and whether you’re willing to do the work or would rather lower the price by that amount.
-
Contingencies. See what other factors the buyer wants met before the contract is final—inspections, selling a home, obtaining a mortgage, review of the contract by an attorney. Set time limits on contingencies so that they won’t drag on and keep your sale from becoming final.
-
The contract expiration date. See how long you have to make a decision on the offer
Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright / All rights reserved.
Click here for printer-friendly format