PURCHASE OFFERS

REVIEWING AN OFFER ON YOUR HOME

Receiving an offer is an important moment, but the highest price is not always the strongest offer. We will review the complete proposal, consider the buyer’s ability to perform, and evaluate how the terms fit your priorities.

I will explain the offer, identify important deadlines and conditions, and help you compare the potential benefits and risks. The decision to accept, reject, or counter an offer will always be yours.

KEY TERMS TO REVIEW

PURCHASE PRICE

We will compare the offered price with your asking price, current market activity, and the other terms of the proposal.

FINANCING

The offer should identify whether the buyer is using financing or paying cash. When financing is involved, we will review the available preapproval information, proposed loan type, down payment, and financing contingency.

EARNEST MONEY

Earnest money demonstrates the buyer’s good-faith intention to complete the purchase. We will consider the amount offered, the delivery deadline, and the terms governing how it will be handled.

INSPECTIONS

An inspection provision may give the buyer time to investigate the property and respond to the findings. We will review the proposed inspection period, your responsibilities, and the possible paths forward if the buyer raises concerns.

APPRAISAL

When a buyer obtains financing, the lender will generally require an appraisal. We will examine any appraisal-related terms and discuss what may happen if the appraised value does not support the contract price.

CLOSING AND POSSESSION

The proposed closing date should work with your moving plans and any purchase you may be making. The offer should also state when the buyer will receive possession of the property.

SELLER EXPENSES

A buyer may request that you pay certain expenses, credits, fees, repairs, a home warranty, or other costs. These requests affect your estimated net proceeds and should be considered along with the purchase price.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

The offer may identify appliances, fixtures, or other items the buyer expects to remain with the property. We will make sure these expectations are clear before an agreement is reached.

OTHER CONTINGENCIES

An offer may include conditions involving financing, appraisal, inspections, insurance, title, the sale of another property, or other matters. Each contingency should be evaluated for its effect on timing, certainty, and your ability to move forward.

COMPARING MULTIPLE OFFERS

When more than one offer is received, we will compare them carefully. Important considerations may include:

• Purchase price

• Financing strength and down payment

• Earnest money

• Inspection and appraisal provisions

• Requested seller expenses or credits

• Closing and possession dates

• Number and complexity of contingencies

• Buyer flexibility and overall likelihood of closing

We will also discuss possible response strategies and treat all buyers fairly and professionally.

YOUR RESPONSE OPTIONS

Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to:

• Accept the offer as written

• Reject the offer

• Make a counteroffer proposing different terms

• Ask for clarification or supporting information

A counteroffer changes the proposed agreement and may involve additional negotiation. Until all required parties have agreed to and signed the same terms, circumstances can change quickly.

FROM ACCEPTED OFFER TO CLOSING

After an agreement is signed, we will monitor the deadlines in the purchase agreement and coordinate with the buyer’s agent, lender, inspectors, appraiser, and title company.

I will keep you informed as the transaction moves through inspections, appraisal, title work, financing, final walkthrough, and closing.

HOW I WILL HELP

My role is to provide market context, explain the practical effect of the proposed terms, estimate how requested expenses may affect your proceeds, and help you negotiate based on your priorities.

For legal or tax questions beyond the scope of real estate brokerage services, you should consult a qualified attorney or tax professional.

To discuss selling your Indianapolis-area home, contact Steve Tucker, REALTOR® with United Real Estate Indianapolis, at (317) 345-7448.