Current Topic:
Negotiations Part 2

The previous column talked about negotiating to attempt to bring the buyers and sellers together. If you are a buyer, you should be prepared with the proper components to submit an offer. An offer is not simply the price.

The Realtor will act as the conveyor of information. There are a few things to consider in making an offer to purchase: 1) include a finance contingency, even if you have loan pre-approval, 2) insist on a home inspection and a termite inspection, 3) itemize the personal property you want included, such as chandeliers or drapes, and 4) submit the closing date you prefer.

Buyers should be prepared to make their best offer first, but if that offer is not acceptable to the seller, they should expect to go through a round of counter-offers.