Accepting an offer
It is natural to look at the price first. Read the rest of each offer before you get attached to one.
Price is one term among several
The first offer is rarely the final word, and the terms around the price can change what you end up with. We look at how the buyer is paying and how solid the lender’s letter is, how much earnest money they are putting down, which contingencies are in the offer and how long they run, when they want to close, and whether they are asking you to pay for anything. A slightly lower offer from a well-qualified buyer on a clean timeline is often the better one, because it is more likely to close at the price written on it.
We go through every offer with you line by line and tell you what we think of each, without giving away your position to the other side.
How we negotiate
We represent you. Our job is to get you the best price and terms we can, and to deal honestly with the buyer and their broker while we do it. A deal where both sides feel fairly treated also tends to hold together through inspection and appraisal.
If several offers come in, we lay them out side by side so you can compare them on the same terms. You can accept one, counter one, or turn them all down. The choice is yours, and you will get a straight assessment of each from us first.
Mutual acceptance and earnest money
In most deals here the offer is written on Northwest MLS forms. When you and the buyer have both signed the same terms, that is mutual acceptance, and the contract’s deadlines start from there. The buyer then delivers earnest money, which is held by the escrow company or by a brokerage, as the contract specifies, until closing or until the contract says otherwise.
From here, two habits keep things moving.
Put everything in writing. That includes counteroffers, addenda and anything agreed over the phone. If it is not written down and signed by both sides, do not count on it. We draft the paperwork with you and make sure you have copies of all of it.
Keep to the schedule. The contract sets a timeline for each stage between now and closing. Meeting your dates keeps the deal on track and keeps you from being the party in breach. We keep the calendar and let you know what is coming before it arrives.
Next comes escrow, inspections and the appraisal.