Daytona Beach Real Estate Buyers Tip February 10, 2008

Use the Real Estate Contract to Your Advantage

When buying a home in Daytona Beach or anywhere else, you need to take advantage of the contract you will be presenting to the seller. The contract is a great tool to prevent problems down the line.

First, make sure any contingencies such as financing and home inspection are specifically stated with dates that are to your advantage. For instance, give yourself two weeks for financing approval.

Next make sure that if you want something in the house, and it wasn’t explicitly excluded in seller documents, then put it in the contract. Go into as much detail as necessary. Believe it or not, sellers will attempt to replace high value appliance with lower priced appliances. List the appliances and other things in the house that you want. The list might include light fixtures, sheds, curtains and drapes, room air conditions, and anything else you believe is part of reason you are making an offer on the home.

Making certain that the contract is precise in the offer serves two purposes;

1. You get what you expect without argument later,
2. You strengthen your negotiating position if there is a counter-offer.

Unless you have purchased many homes, your real estate agent should be able to guide you through the process. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. I see so many contracts from buyers and agents that are putting the buyer in a weaker position than necessary.

If you are considering buying a home in the Daytona Beach or Ormond Beach area, make certain that you have an experienced real estate agent to protect your interests. Call me at 386-566-7503 for additional information, or visit my Daytona Beach Real Estate website.