Seller Handbook

Decide to Sell

Create Marketing Plan

Manage the Offer

Close the Deal

To Buyer Handbook

Obtain Necessary Forms | Understanding the Offer | Present the Offer | Negotiate the Offer

Tips Don't respond in the moment. Take time to completely review the price and terms. Do indicate the timeframe in which you will respond to the offer. It's best to respond IN WRITING within 24 hours if possible. Don't overreact to a low offer and don't automatically accept a high offer. There are other points in the contract to be considered.

Present the Offer

The presentation can be handled many ways.

If you are not working with a real estate agent, you can hire a real estate attorney to help you negotiate the offer. If you take this tact, the contract will go to the attorney and s/he will go over it with you.

You can choose to deal with the buyer directly, in a face-to-face meeting, or you can have the buyer give the contract to you and review it alone. If you meet with the buyer directly, remain friendly and unemotional. Remember that your goal is to sell the house and their goal is to buy it. There is usually a way to find a win-win position if everyone keeps a cool head.

If your prospective buyer is working with a real estate agent and you have agreed to pay commission, the agent will present the contract to you and you will negotiate with the buyer's agent. Remember that if your prospective purchaser is working with an attorney or a buyer's agent these professionals work on behalf of the buyer, not you. STRATEGY - If you are not working with a real estate agent, hire a real estate contract attorney to handle the negotiations on your behalf.