You’re represented by a Realtor® (hopefully), who can skillfully walk you through your purchase Offer but, when dealing with a purchase Contract for your Charlotte home for sale, you need to look carefully within the document for a few things before you sign on the dotted line.  Your Realtor® and/or attorney will be able to point out glaring deficiencies, inconsistencies or other things not in your best interest.  However, the more you know about the purchase Contract yourself, the better chances you have of getting a good deal on your Charlotte home for sale.

Here are a few points to ponder that are contained within your Offer to Purchase:
Closing Date
Sometimes a buyer may want to wait a month or two before actually taking over the Title of your home.  You want to check the Closing date against your own schedule and make sure it’s an acceptable date.  Don’t be inflexible–remember that in this highly competitive real estate market, you need to be willing to negotiate on the closing date – unless, of course, you don’t have a choice.
Property that is to Remain with the home
Contracts range in terms of what fixtures are included in the Offer and what personal property the buyer wishes to remain with the home.  In a few cases, the contract entitles the buyer to everything on the property.  In other cases, the Contract entitles them to nothing more than the attached (ceiling) light fixtures and electrical socket covers.  Carefully read over what the buyer expects to remain with the home and make certain that you agree.
Contingencies
This is a biggie!  The factors a buyer may want in place before the contract is finalized may or may not be more than you’re willing to deal with.  For example, the buyer may want an inspection even before signing, or they may want to sell their own home before taking title of your home.  They may want the contract reviewed by their lawyer or they may still be waiting for their mortgage to be approved.

The problem with contingencies is they can drag on much longer than you initially expect them to.  To be safe – even if you’re okay with the contingencies – set a reasonable time limit for the contingencies  to be accomplished.  This way, your sale doesn’t drag on forever without ever making it to Closing, nor is your home off of the market for an extended period of time.

In the case of the inspection before Contract–I say, let them have at it!!  Your home will not be taken off of the market and this will give your buyers reassurance about their purchase AND you can then negotiate all points up front–and not the finer points of the Contract, THEN a couple of weeks later, the repair request as a result of the inspection!
*Note:  I also highly recommend a pre-listing inspection.  EVERYTHING goes smoother with either a pre-listing or pre-Contract inspection!

Expiration Date
Finally, pay attention to the expiration date of the Offer to Purchase. You may have eight hours or eight days to accept, reject or counter the Offer to Purchase your home.  Pay careful attention to how long you have to consider the Offer for your Charlotte home for sale.

If you’re trying to sell your home and need a knowledge agent on your side, I can help. Call me or email me at for more information.