You always want to provide clients with more knowledge and a clear understanding of how things really work in a Real Estate transaction. Preparing your clients upfront could save you countless hours of stress and frustration should something array. We breakdown the most important steps in a sale, including definitions, common misconceptions and what we call The Real Deal for your sellers.
OFFER TO PURCHASE: **(State Dependent)
Definition – A document that outlines the main terms (price, dates/deadlines, deposit amount, etc.) for the purchase between a buyer and seller. It is considered to be “legally binding” agreement once executed by both parties
Common Misconception – Offer is hand delivered to listing agent by the buyer’s agent with a deposit check.
The Real Deal – Offers are usually submitted via email or fax directly to the listing agent by the buyer’s agent. Sellers can accept, reject or make a counter-offer. When both parties reach an agreement on the terms and the offer is executed by the seller, it is emailed directly to the buyer’s agent by the listing agent. Once it is executed by the buyer and seller, it becomes a legally binding contract.
DEPOSITS:
Definition – The deposit is also known as “earnest money” and it is usually held in escrow by the listing brokerage (Lamacchia Realty in this case) when received. There are typically two deposits. One is submitted with the offer and one with the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
Common Misconception – Checks are hand delivered from the buyer’s agent to the listing agent along with the Offer and Purchase and Sale agreement.
The Real Deal – It is customary for buyer’s agents to mail the deposit to the listing brokerage once the Offer and Purchase & Sale agreements are executed by both parties. As explained in our Escrow Policy, if a buyer defaults and there is any dispute over the deposit, a mutually agreeable release must be executed by all parties before any funds can be returned to the buyer or given to the seller.
MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL:
Definition – A Pre-Approval is a preliminary approval to obtain a mortgage. Buyers who plan to obtain a mortgage should provide this along with their offer.
Common Misconception – Buyers are completely approved for their mortgage once they have a pre-approval and nothing can go wrong.
Real Deal – PRE is the key part of ‘pre-approval’ to pay attention to. A buyer cannot apply for a full approval until they find a home. If buyers provide a pre-approval from a reputable mortgage broker and company, chances are they will be able to actually obtain the mortgage, as long as they don’t have a life change such as job loss, Credit Change, etc.
HOME INSPECTION CONTINGENCY:
Definition – This is the period of time that buyers have to inspect the home and conduct their due diligence. The deadlines for inspections and type(s) of inspections to be conducted are included in the Offer to Purchase.
Common Misconception –Buyers cannot attempt to renegotiate or back out of the purchase following or as a result of an inspection.
Real Deal – After their inspection(s) buyers have the right to proceed with the sale, renegotiate purchase terms, or back out of the sale. If parties are unable to come to an agreement, buyers are entitled to the return of their deposit. Buyers sometimes use the inspection contingency as a means to renegotiate their offer terms. If this occurs, we will advise you accordingly depending on the circumstances.
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT:
Definition – An extensive, legally binding contract between the buyer and seller. This agreement defines what each party must do prior to and up to the closing in order to complete the sale. It has clauses to protect both buyer and seller.
Common Misconception – Once the Purchase and Sale Agreement is signed, the deal is done and nothing could go wrong.
Real Deal – Once this is signed you have crossed a huge hurdle and the sale usually occurs. However, there are circumstances in which a party fails to perform their obligations under the Purchase and Sale Agreement. If this occurs, we will advise you accordingly depending on the circumstances.
APPRAISAL:
Definition – An appraisal is an evaluation of a home’s value conducted by a licensed appraiser that is hired by the buyer’s mortgage company. The purpose of an appraisal is to allow the lender to ensure that the home’s value is enough to warrant a mortgage in the amount that the buyer is seeking.
Common Misconceptions – Buyers use this to get a lower price or it is another inspection.
Real Deal – Buyers have no control over the amount of the appraisal and it is not another inspection. Most of the time appraised values reflect the amount the buyer is willing to pay for the home. Appraisals sometimes come in too low; this is more apt to happen when there is a lack of comparable sales in the area. If the appraisal does happen to come in too low we will advise accordingly depending on circumstances.
MORTGAGE CONTINGENCY DATE:
Definition – A provision in the offer and Purchase and Sales Agreement which specifies the date and time by which the buyers must have their mortgage commitment.
Common Misconception – If the buyers do not get their mortgage by this date the seller can keep the buyers’ deposit.
Real Deal – If buyers notify the seller prior to the contingency date that they need additional time to obtain their mortgage or that they were unable to obtain a mortgage, they can terminate the sale and get their deposit back. However, if the buyers are denied a mortgage after this date the seller is usually entitled to keep the deposit. Please keep in mind that the Escrow policy with regard to the deposit would apply under these circumstances.
CLOSING DATE:
Definition – The date on which the deed is executed and transferred to the buyers, and buyers officially take ownership.
Common Misconceptions – Seller can remain in the home after this date, or seller can easily change this date after signing a contract.
Real Deal – This is a firm date in the Purchase and Sales Agreement that cannot easily be changed. Sometimes mortgage delays from the buyer or title delays from the seller can cause a closing to be delayed. One other important factor to keep in mind is the house must be 100% cleaned out by this date.
It is essential to have clear and open communication with your client. All parties should understand their obligations in the deal, and what to expect from the other. When working with buyers and sellers it is extremely important that expectations are set and simple for them to understand to keep the deal on track and as smooth as psooible.
*This document is for informational/educational purposes only and is not a predictor or guarantee of anything.