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.
