7 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.
   

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.         www.REALTOR.org/realtormag