Making An Offer
Deciding what to offer is one of the most difficult decisions to make. I can help you enormously by showing you what comparable houses are selling for, helping you assess the condition of the house, and judging the type of competition you may face. I will draft the offer and communicate it on your behalf.
Offers are either firm or conditional.
- Firm Offer to Purchase
- This is usually preferable to the seller, because it means that you are prepared to purchase the home without any conditions. If the offer is accepted, the home is yours.
- Conditional Offer to Purchase
- This means that you have placed one or more conditions on the purchase, such as subject to home inspection, subject to financing, or subject to the sale of the buyer's existing home. The home is not sold until all the conditions have been met.
There are six main elements to consider when making an offer.
- Price
The price you offer reflects your opinion of the value of the house and is determined by the condition of the property and local market factors. You can make any offer you like. It does not have to be the same as the seller's asking price. - Deposit
The deposit shows your good faith and will be applied against the purchase of the home when the sale closes. I will advise you on an appropriate amount. - Terms
Include the total price offered and the financing details. You may arrange your own financing or ask to assume the seller's mortgage, especially if it has an attractive interest rate. - Conditions
Conditions are items that must be completed or fulfilled prior to an offer being concluded. These can include subject to home inspection, subject to you obtaining financing, or subject to you selling your existing property. - Inclusions and exclusions
Your offer may be contingent on certain items being either included or excluded in the sale. These might include appliances, fixtures, and decorative items, such as window coverings or mirrors. - Closing or possession date
The closing date is generally the day the title of the property is legally transferred and the transaction of funds finalized, unless otherwise specified (except in Manitoba and Quebec). In British Columbia the possession date is legally one to three days after closing.