Once you have found the property you want, I will write a purchase agreement. While much of the agreement is standard, there are a few areas that we can negotiate:
The Price
What you offer on a property depends on a number of factors including:
- Condition
- Number of days on the market
- Buyer activity
- Urgency of the seller
While some buyers want to make a low offer just to see if the seller accepts, this often isn’t a smart choice, because the seller may be insulted and decide not to negotiate at all. I do my homework to ensure that any offer you submit is reasonable based on current market activity.
The Move-in Date
If you can be flexible on the possession date, the seller will be more apt to choose your offer over others.
Additional Property
Often, the seller plans on leaving major appliances in the home; however, which items stay or go is often a matter of negotiation.
Typically, you will not be present at the offer presentation – I will present it to the listing agent and/or seller. The seller will then do one of the following:
- Accept the offer
- Reject the offer
- Counter the offer with changes
By far the most common is the counteroffer. In these cases, my training and negotiating skills become powerful in representing your best interests.
When a counteroffer is presented, we will work together to review each specific area of it, making sure that we move forward with your goals in mind and ensuring that we negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.
Conditional On Home Inspection:
For many people, buying a home is the biggest single investment they will ever make. I generally recommend that a home inspection be obtained. You may have your own home inspector. If not, I can refer you to a certified home inspector.
A home inspection isn’t just about protecting your investment, but also about protecting you and your family.
What does a home inspection include?
- Foundation
- Structure
- Basement or crawl space
- Interior and exterior walls
- Siding
- Water heater
- Heating and air conditioning systems
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system and fixtures
- Porches and decks
- Attic
- Roof
- Gutters
- Fireplace and exterior chimney
- Interior and exterior doors
- Interior stairway components
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
