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7
Terms to Watch for in a Purchase Contract
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1. The closing date. See if the date the buyer wants to
take title is reasonable for you.
2. Date of possession. See if the date the buyer wants to move in is
reasonable for you.
3. The earnest money. Look for the largest earnest money deposit
possible; since it is forfeited if the buyer backs out, a large
deposit is usually a good indication of a sincere buyer.
4. Fixtures and personal property. Check the list of items that the
buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it's
acceptable.
5. Repairs. Determine what the requested repairs will cost and
whether you're willing to do the work or would rather lower the
price by that amount.
6. Contingencies. See what other factors the buyer wants met before
the contract is final—inspections, selling a home, obtaining a
mortgage, review of the contract by an attorney. Set time limits on
contingencies so that they won't drag on and keep your sale from
becoming final.
7. The contract expiration date. See how long you have to make a
decision on the offer.
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