Leslie Koshynsky

Royal LePage Foothills

The major elements of an offer

1. Price

Depends on the market and the buyers, but generally, the price offered is different from the asking price.

2. Deposit

The deposit shows the buyer's good faith and will be applied against the purchase price of the home when the sale closes. Leslie K. can advise you on the suitability of the amount of the deposit being offered.

3. Terms

Includes the total price the buyer is offering as well as the financing details. The buyer may be arranging his/her own financing or may ask to assume your existing mortgage if you have an attractive rate.

4. Conditions

These might include "subject to home inspection", "subject to the buyer obtaining financing", "subject to the review of condominium documents" or "subject to the sale of the purchaser's property."  Other conditions are possible.

5. Inclusions and Exclusions

These might include appliances and certain fixtures or decorative items, such as window coverings or mirrors.

6. Closing, Completion or Possession Date

Generally, the day the title of the property is transferred to the buyer and funds are received by the seller's lawyer, unless otherwise specified.

With any offer, the seller has three options, 1) accept it as presented, 2) reject the offer or 3) counter the offer to change one or more elements such as price, possession date or conditions.