10 Steps to Buying Your Home

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Making an Offer

Once you have found the home you would like to purchase, to the next step is making an offer.  After taking into account the recent comparable sales of homes in the neighborhood that are similar in size, quality, conveniences and amenities, you must decide what are you willing to pay for the home.

It is important that you have everything down in written form. Verbal agreements are never acceptable.  Present the seller with a written "Agreement of Sale" detailing what needs to be done by both parties for the transaction to be executed. The contract should protect the best interests of all parties involved and should be comprehensive in nature. Once it is accepted by the seller, it may be too late to make any changes, so make sure that you review your offer thoroughly before submitting it. The "Agreement of Sale", though not limited to this list, should include the following:

• A legal description of the property
• The offering price
• The down payment
• Financing arrangements
• A list of fees and who will pay them
• The deposit amount
• Inspection rights and possible repair allowances
• Method of title conveyance and who will handle the closing
• A list of appliances and furnishings which will stay with the home
• The settlement date
• Any relevant contingencies

Remember that the legalities of this phase are very important. Any questions or concerns that you may have need to be addressed right away. After all, no one has ever said at their closing, "I wish I had asked fewer questions."

TheJames E. Stachelek Team will assist you by making sure that your contract meets all the legal requirements according to real estate guidelines.  We will advise you on how to create an offer that will have the best chance of being accepted.  Your team expert will also help guarantee your financial position as the buyer by including any necessary contingencies which would protect you if a particular requirement is not met.

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