By Kathy Henne

Contributing columnist

Once you have found the property you want, you’ll want to write up an offer. While most of the purchase contract is standard, there are a few areas that can be negotiated.

The price? What you offer on the property depends on a number of factors, including its condition, length of time on the market, buyer activity, and the urgency of the seller. While some buyers want to make a low offer just to see if the seller accepts, this often isn’t a smart choice, because the seller may be insulted and decide not to negotiate with you at all. You’ll loose a great house and probably regret it.

The move-in date? Is the seller building a home and waiting for it to be completed. Does the seller want to wait until the kids finish the school year? You may be willing to delay closing or give the seller a little extra time to give you possession. Or are you getting ready to start a new job and need to be moved in by a certain date? These things can be negotiated.

Appliances? Sometimes the seller will leave the kitchen appliances. It’s usually listed in the MLS which appliances, if any, the seller is leaving with the home.

Offer – the seller can accept your offer as written, reject your offer or counter the offer with changes. It’s not unusual to get a counter offer from the seller. If so, you can review with your agent each specific area of the counter offer and decide if the changes will work for you.

Hopefully you can come to an agreement that is acceptable to both you and the seller.

Contact the Kathy Henne Team Re/MAX by calling 937-778-3961