The Insider's Guide To Selling Your Home By Owner- Rocio Fausto I | Page 92

immediately for your own legal protection. Your standard real
estate purchase agreements are easy to find, believe it or not.
They’re usually available at the local real estate association,
or the local bar association. You might also be able to purchase
them in certain bookstores or office supply shops. Have some on
hand as soon as you start showing your home.
You don’t have to accept an offer as it comes, although that
is an option to you. You can also choose to reject it outright, or
you may make a counteroffer. Entering into a contract is scary.
That’s probably one of the biggest reasons that folks end up
changing to a real estate agent. However, if you’re a little queasy
about the whole situation, but are still committed to FSBO, you
can always add a little addendum to your contract which says,
“Contingent on the approval of my attorney.”
Yes, you need an attorney, and he’ll likely make up the offer
and final contract. Don’t be surprised if you have to make a
counteroffer, because there is an excellent chance that you will.
It isn’t always about the selling price that negotiations
commence, although that is a common reason. Other reasons
could be disagreements on precisely what will go with the
property, contingencies, closing and move-in dates as well as
which party is responsible for the payment of closing costs.
Keep in mind that you need to be fair throughout the whole
negotiation. Just don’t forget that you need to be fair to yourself
as well as to your buyer.
Everything, and I mean everything, must be in writing or
you’re just shooting in the dark. You can withdraw your
counteroffer at any time before the buyer accepts it.
The same goes for the buyer withdrawing their offer before
you accept. I highly advise that you seek out a professional at this
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