Start With the Purchase Price

Purchase price matters, but it should be evaluated together with the other terms in the offer.

An offer that appears higher may include concessions or contractual provisions that reduce the seller’s expected net proceeds or increase transaction risk.

Review the Buyer's Financing

Buyer financing can influence the strength of an offer.

Important considerations may include:

• Loan type
• Down payment
• Pre-approval strength
• Lender quality and responsiveness
• Cash available for closing
• Appraisal requirements
• Financing contingencies

The objective is to understand whether the buyer appears financially prepared to complete the transaction under the proposed terms.

Seller Concessions Affect Net Proceeds

A buyer may request seller-paid expenses or other financial concessions as part of the offer.

Those concessions should be considered when comparing the economic value of competing offers.

Examples may include requests involving:

• Buyer closing costs
• Interest-rate buydowns
• Home warranty costs
• HOA-related expenses
• Other negotiated credits

The Option Period Matters

The length and terms of the buyer’s option period can affect the seller’s risk after accepting an offer.

During this period, the buyer may conduct inspections and evaluate whether to continue with the transaction according to the contract.

A seller should consider the option period together with the buyer’s overall offer rather than viewing it as a separate detail.

Inspection Negotiations Can Follow

After the buyer completes inspections, repair requests may become another negotiation point.

Preparation before listing can help sellers understand the property’s condition before these discussions begin.

Certified Pre-Owned Home Listing Program for Griffin Parc Sellers

Appraisal Terms Can Influence Offer Strength

When a buyer is financing the purchase, the lender may require an appraisal.

The contract may contain provisions that affect what happens if the appraised value differs from the purchase price.

Sellers should understand those terms before accepting an offer because they may influence the buyer’s obligations and the seller’s negotiating position later in the transaction.

Closing Date and Timing Matter

The proposed closing date should fit both the seller’s plans and the buyer’s ability to complete financing and other contractual requirements.

A faster closing is not automatically better if the timeline creates unnecessary financing or logistical risk.

Possession Terms Can Be Important

Sellers should also review when the buyer expects to take possession of the home.

Depending on the seller’s move, purchase of another property or other circumstances, possession terms may be an important part of the negotiation.

Earnest Money and Option Fee

Earnest money and the option fee are additional terms sellers may consider when evaluating the buyer’s commitment and the overall structure of the offer.

These terms should always be evaluated within the complete contract rather than in isolation.