Skip to main content

What to Do When You Receive an Offer on Your Home

 


Receiving an offer on your home is an exciting milestone in the selling process. Here are the key steps you should take to ensure everything goes smoothly from offer to acceptance.

1. Provide Buyers with Seller Disclosures and Lead Paint Disclosures

When you receive an offer, the first step is to provide the buyer with all necessary disclosures. This includes seller disclosures, which detail any known issues with the property, and lead paint disclosures if your home was built before 1978. These documents are crucial for transparency and legal compliance, helping to build trust with the buyer and avoid potential legal issues later on.

2. Obtain a Copy of the Buyer’s Loan Approval Letter

Ensure that the buyer is financially capable of purchasing your home by obtaining a copy of their loan approval letter. This document confirms that the buyer has been pre-approved for a mortgage, which is a strong indicator of their ability to secure financing. It’s essential for confirming the buyer’s seriousness and financial readiness to proceed with the purchase. If it is a cash offer, the buyer will need to provide “Proof of Funds” from their financial institution.

3. Consider the Offer Terms and Conditions

Carefully review the offer terms and conditions. Look beyond the offer price to other important factors, such as the closing date, contingencies (e.g., financing, inspection), and any requests for concessions or repairs. Understanding all aspects of the offer helps you make an informed decision about whether to accept, reject, or counter the offer.

4. Negotiate, Counter Offer, and Create Addendums

If the initial offer isn’t quite what you were hoping for, don’t hesitate to negotiate. You can submit a counteroffer with terms that are more favorable to you. This might include adjusting the price, altering the closing date, or modifying contingencies. Creating addendums to the offer is common during this phase, allowing both parties to agree on terms that are mutually beneficial.

5. Offer Acceptance

Once you and the buyer have agreed on the terms, it’s time to formally accept the offer. This involves signing the purchase agreement, which outlines all agreed-upon terms and conditions. After both parties have signed, the agreement becomes legally binding, and you can move forward with the purchase process.

By following these steps, you can navigate the offer process with confidence and work towards a successful sale of your home.

🌐 Sources

  1. bankrate.com - How To Prepare Your Home For Sale - Real Estate
  2. zillow.com - How to Market Your Home for Sale

Whether buying, selling, or seeking valuable insights into the market, I'm here to be your trusted guide in the dynamic world of real estate. Feel free to contact me for a confidential discussion, where we can explore your goals, address any questions, and navigate the exciting path of real estate together. Your real estate journey is unique, and I am committed to providing personalized assistance tailored to your needs. Don't hesitate to connect; your next real estate adventure awaits!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

✨ Friday Spotlight: Opening Doors with Bank of Ann Arbor’s Community Impact Program 🏑

  When homeownership feels out of reach, Bank of Ann Arbor is stepping up with a powerful solution: the Community Impact Program , designed to help low- to moderate-income Michigan residents become homeowners πŸ’ͺ. Bank of Ann Arbor is committed to providing accessible and affordable mortgage solutions that foster homeownership and financial stability for first-time buyers. Their experienced team is here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way πŸ›€️. πŸ“‹ Program Highlights: ✅ Supports first-time homebuyers earning 80% or less of Area Median Income ✅ Up to 100% loan-to-value on purchases ✅ Minimum credit score: 620 ✅ Can be combined with the Community Impact Grant Program or other qualified down payment assistance programs—up to $8,000 πŸ’Έ ✅ No private mortgage insurance (PMI) = lower monthly payments πŸ’° Meet the Advocate: Constance Pearson Ramirez πŸ’¬ At the heart of this initiative is Constance Pearson Ramirez , Community Engagement Officer at Bank of Ann ...

🏑 Washtenaw County’s Older Adult Millage: Supporting Seniors for a Better Future

  In November 2024, Washtenaw County voters approved the Older Persons Services Millage , a dedicated property tax aimed at enhancing services and support for residents aged 60 and older. The 0.5-mill levy, set to run for eight years (2024-2031), is projected to generate approximately $11.6 million in its first year. πŸ’‘ What Is It and How Does It Work? The Older Adult Millage was created to address the growing senior population in Washtenaw County. With over 72,000 residents aged 60+, this initiative ensures that older adults have access to vital services that enhance their safety, well-being, and independence. Funds collected from the millage are allocated to organizations that provide essential services, such as home assistance, transportation, and caregiver support. πŸ‘΅ Who Benefits? The millage supports older adults (60+) living in Washtenaw County by funding programs that promote independence, safety, and overall well-being. ✅ Key Services Provided: 🏠 Safe & Supported Ho...

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Make a Comeback in Today’s Market πŸ“ˆπŸ 

  As mortgage rates began to climb last week, some potential buyers started exploring alternative financing options—especially as their property choices increased and more sellers began offering concessions 🀝. In this evolving market, one type of mortgage is making a notable comeback: the adjustable-rate mortgage , or ARM . An ARM offers a lower initial interest rate compared to traditional fixed-rate mortgages, making it an attractive choice for buyers who want to keep their monthly payments more manageable in the short term πŸ’΅. This month, ARMs are especially popular among buyers of higher-priced homes who require larger loan amounts. In fact, nearly 10% of recent buyers have chosen an ARM —the highest rate since November 2023 πŸ”„. Why Are Buyers Considering ARMs Now? πŸ€” Lower Initial Payments – The "teaser" or introductory rate on an ARM can be significantly lower than current fixed mortgage rates, making monthly payments more affordable for the first few years πŸ“‰. Increa...