Making
An Offer
Time for nervous anticipation. You've
found the home you want, and your Prudential California
Realty Sales Professional says you need to act fast.
Yet you want to be as calm and objective as possible.
The expertise A Prudential California Realty Sales Professional
can give you at negotiating time is priceless.
Negotiating The Buy
The expertise a Prudential California Realty Sales
Professional can give you at negotiating time is priceless.
Be prepared for counter offers. Don't let the pressure
get to you. Remain patient, and let your Prudential
California Realty Sales Professional act as your liaison
with the seller or the seller's agent. You may need
to be flexible on price, closing date, appliances and
repairs.
Contingencies
Beware of putting contingencies in your purchase agreement.
They weaken your offer. However, if you currently own
a home, your offer may need to be contingent on it selling.
Or, if you're uncertain about the structural integrity
of the home, you may want to have a home inspection
contingency. Just be aware any contingency could take
you out of the running if a non-contingent offer is
presented.
Earnest Money
Once your offer is accepted, be prepared to seal the
deal with earnest money. Earnest money is usually a
percentage of the home's purchase price that indicates
you're serious about the purchase and indicates your
good faith. It's generally applied to the purchase price
when you complete the purchase, but may be forfeited
to the seller if you fail to complete the purchase.
Contact your Sales Associate to determine the amount
of earnest money you should be prepared to pay based
on your target home price.
Many first-time buyers are taken by surprise when it
comes to earnest money, especially if they have to make
a fast offer. Be sure to discuss with your REALTOR the
appropriate amount of earnest money you should be prepared
to pay based on the price range of properties you're
looking at. You should have this amount available in
your checking account so you can write out an earnest
money check on the day you sign your purchase agreement. |