
When you have found the home that best meets your needs, you are ready to make an offer on the house. In most cases your real estate agent will present your offer to the seller. Do not be discouraged if your first offer is rejected by the seller. It is not uncommon for the seller to make a counter-offer.
Once the selling price has been agreed upon by both the buyer and seller, a purchase contract is started. In most cases, your real estate agent will help you negotiate the terms of the purchase contract. The purchase contract is a legal contract that details the final terms for the purchase of the home including price, closing date, and estimates on the closing costs. By signing the purchase contract, it means you have agreed to purchase the property under the negotiated terms and price. Although some closing cost fees are required by law, you can negotiate others as part of the purchase offer.