8 Items to Watch for in a Real Estate
Purchase Contract in Chico

As a seller of real estate in Chico or anywhere else, for that matter, price would be a main concern if not the #1 concern. However, also look for the following items:

1. The closing date.
   See if the date the buyer wants to take title is reasonable for you.
    
2. Date of possession.
   See if the date the buyer wants to move in is reasonable for you.
    
3. The earnest money.
   Look for the largest earnest money deposit possible; since it is forfeited if the buyer backs out without cause, a large deposit is usually a good indication of a sincere buyer.
    
4. Pre Approval or Pre-Qualification letter from a well-known lender.
   Can the buyer actually qualify for a loan for your Chico home? Don’t waste your time and money getting into escrow and taking your home off the market only to have it fall out of escrow because the buyer was not able to secure financing.
    
5. Fixtures and personal property.
   Check the list of items that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it's acceptable.
    
6. Repairs.
   Determine what the requested repairs will cost and whether you're willing to do the work or would rather lower the price by that amount. Buyers have 17 days in which to make property inspections, so expect the request for repairs to come within that time frame. However, as a seller, you may state upfront and in writing your desire to sell your property, “as is, where is”. As your Chico real estate agent, I would be happy to help you with this.
    
7. Contingencies.
   See what other factors the buyer wants met before the contract is final—inspections, selling a home, obtaining a mortgage, review of the contract by an attorney. Set time limits on contingencies so that they won't drag on and keep your sale from becoming final.
    
8. The contract expiration date.
   See how long you have to make a decision on the offer.

As your Chico realtor, I will help you with the entire purchase contract, call me for a no obligation meeting about your real estate needs.