Once you have found the home you wish to purchase, you will need to determine what offer you are willing to make for the home. It is important to remember that the more competition there is for the home, the higher the offer should be – its not unusual that sometimes an offer will even exceed the asking price! Remember, be realistic. Make offers you want the other party to sign!

To communicate your interest in purchasing a home, your realtor will present the listing agent with a written offer. When the seller accepts an offer it becomes a legal contract. When you write an offer you should be prepared to pay an earnest money deposit. This is to guarantee that your intention is to purchase the property.

After your offer is presented to the listing agent it will either be accepted, rejected, or the seller will make a counter-offer. This is when the terms of the contract are negotiated if necessary.

The step-by-step contract procedure for most single-family home purchases is standard. The purchase agreement used is a standard document approved by our local and state real estate boards.

The purchase agreement or "contract" constitutes your offer to buy and, once accepted by the seller, becomes a valid, legal contract. For this reason, it is important to understand what is written on the contract offer. Ask your agent if you any questions prior to signing the offer to purchase.