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

Polk County Real Estate Specialists

Interested in buying a new property or need help selling an existing one? Contact Stacey Towns Realty today.