Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned pro, these real estate insights will help you navigate the path to your dream home with confidence. Let’s dive in!

1. What is the inspection period in a real estate purchase contract, and why is it important?

• Typically 7-10 days to conduct inspections.
• Allows you to assess the property’s condition and identify any issues.
• You can negotiate repairs or credits with the seller based on inspection findings.

Tip: Attend the home inspection in person, if possible, and ask questions. Being present during the inspection allows you to:

1. Gain Insights: You can learn about the home’s condition, maintenance needs, and potential issues firsthand.
2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the inspector about any concerns or questions you have about the property.
3. Document Findings: Take notes and photos during the inspection. These can be useful for reference and negotiation.
4. Prioritize Repairs: You’ll have a better understanding of which issues are minor and which may require immediate attention.
5. Negotiate Effectively: If significant issues arise, you can use the inspection report to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credits.

Remember that a home inspection is a critical step in the home buying process, and your active involvement can help you make an informed decision and potentially save you from unexpected costs down the road.

2. How do remedy requests work after the inspection, and what can I ask the seller to fix?

• After inspections, you can request repairs, credits, or concessions from the seller.
• Seller can agree to all, some, or none of your requests.
• Negotiations may involve finding a middle ground for a successful transaction.

Tip: Prioritize and Focus on Significant Issues: When submitting remedy requests to the seller, concentrate on addressing significant and safety-related concerns rather than cosmetic or minor issues. This approach can make negotiations smoother and more likely to succeed. Here’s how:

1. Identify Critical Items: Work with your inspector and realtor to pinpoint items that pose significant risks or expenses, such as structural issues, electrical problems, or safety hazards.
2. Present Solutions: Instead of simply listing problems, propose specific solutions or remedies for each issue. This demonstrates your seriousness and can make it easier for the seller to respond positively.
3. Avoid Overwhelming Requests: Be mindful not to overwhelm the seller with an extensive list of minor repairs or cosmetic improvements. Focusing on the most important issues increases the chances of a successful negotiation.
4. Maintain Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with the seller. Be prepared for potential counteroffers and be willing to negotiate in good faith.

By concentrating on significant issues and presenting practical solutions, you can increase the likelihood of reaching a satisfactory agreement with the seller while ensuring the safety and functionality of the home.

3. What are counter offers, and how should I respond if I receive one?

• Seller may respond with changes to your initial offer.
• You can accept, reject, or counter their counter-offer.
• Negotiations continue until both parties reach an agreement or one party decides to walk away.

Tip: Respond Thoughtfully and Be Prepared to Negotiate: When you receive a counter offer from the seller, it’s essential to approach it thoughtfully and be prepared to negotiate effectively. Here’s how:

1. Review the Counter Offer Carefully: Carefully read and understand the seller’s counter offer, paying attention to changes in price, terms, and any additional conditions.
2. Consult with Your Realtor: Discuss the counter offer with your realtor to gain insights into the market conditions and the seller’s motivations. Your realtor’s expertise is invaluable in this process.
3. Consider Your Priorities: Revisit your priorities and determine what aspects of the offer are most important to you. This will help you decide which elements are negotiable and which are non-negotiable.
4. Respond Promptly: In real estate negotiations, time can be of the essence. Respond to the counter offer in a timely manner to keep the negotiation process moving.
5. Negotiate in Good Faith: Approach negotiations with a willingness to compromise and find a middle ground. Avoid making lowball counter offers that may offend the seller and derail the process.
6. Maintain Clear Communication: Keep communication open with the seller or their agent. Clarify any uncertainties and be transparent about your intentions.
7. Be Prepared to Walk Away: Know your limits and be prepared to walk away if the counter offer doesn’t align with your budget or needs. Sometimes, it’s better to move on to other properties or opportunities.

Navigating counter offers requires a balance between assertiveness and flexibility. By approaching them strategically and communicating openly, you can work towards a mutually beneficial agreement in your real estate transaction.

4. What is earnest money, and how much should I expect to put down?

• It’s a deposit to show your commitment to buying the property.
• Amount varies but is often 1-3% of the home’s purchase price.
• It’s held in an escrow account until closing and applied to your down payment or closing costs.

Tip: Be sure you’re comfortable with the amount of earnest money you’re offering, and don’t offer more than you’re willing to lose. While earnest money is typically refundable if you adhere to the contract’s terms, if you breach the contract without valid reasons, you may forfeit your earnest money to the seller. It’s crucial to strike a balance between a meaningful deposit to show your commitment and protecting your financial interests. Discuss the earnest money amount with your realtor to determine an appropriate and competitive figure for your offer.

5. Are there any contingencies I should be aware of when signing a purchase contract?

• Common contingencies include financing, appraisal, and home sale.
• They protect you from potential issues like loan denials or low appraisals.
• If contingencies aren’t met, you can often cancel the contract and get your earnest money back.

Tip: Be Clear and Specific with Contingencies: When including contingencies in your purchase contract, be clear and specific about the conditions you want to be met before proceeding with the purchase. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures your expectations are met. Consider these aspects:

1. Include Key Contingencies: Common contingencies include financing, appraisal, and inspections. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to add contingencies related to the sale of your current home or other specific needs.
2. Set Realistic Timelines: Define clear deadlines for each contingency. Realistic timelines ensure that both you and the seller understand when and how these conditions will be fulfilled.
3. Consult with Professionals: Work closely with your realtor and possibly an attorney to draft the contingencies correctly. They can help you create language that protects your interests without being overly burdensome to the seller.
4. Understand Your Right to Cancel: Make sure you understand the conditions under which you can cancel the contract without losing your earnest money. Contingencies often provide an “out” if certain conditions aren’t met to your satisfaction.
5. Stay Informed: Stay in regular communication with your realtor and other professionals involved in the transaction. This ensures that you’re aware of the status of each contingency and can take appropriate action if needed.

Using contingencies wisely empowers you to move forward with confidence, knowing that you have safeguards in place to protect your investment and interests in the real estate transaction.

Thinking of buying a home?

Remember, real estate contracts can vary by location and specific circumstances, so it’s essential to work closely with your realtor and possibly an attorney to navigate these aspects effectively. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Central Ohio, let us guide you through the process – contact us today to get started!