Most realtors have been taught that it's better to present a purchase contract to a seller or agent in person, rather than just faxing it. An offer that's presented directly to an agent or homeowner will seem more personal and therefore more persuasive.

It's also a good idea for the buyer's agent to convey to the owner what the purchaser likes about the home. Many owners take pride in their properties and will favor someone who appreciates their home.

As an agent, sometimes you don't get a chance to do this. The seller lives out of town or the listing agent requests that all purchase contracts be faxed or emailed to him. But whether your purchase agreement is presented in person, or faxed to the listing agent, I've found that it's helpful to use a Purchase Agreement Highlight Sheet.

What is a Purchase Agreement Highlight Sheet? It's a form that when filled in by a selling agent, spells out the term of the purchase agreement in easy to understand language. It helps to make a purchase agreement less complicated for both the seller and listing agent. In addition, it tells the seller and listing agent a little bit about your purchaser and what your client likes about the home. Or what they don't like.

Sometimes one of the benefits is that it frees up your time. Let's say that you've written a full-price offer and the market isn't blazing hot. You can drop off the offer with this form and say, "Mr. or Mrs. Listing Agent, here is my client's purchase agreement. Please call me if you have any questions." Then you're out the door, and on to selling more houses!

Try using it sometime. It may come in handy!

Property Address:________________________________________
Buyer/Seller:_____________________________________________
Offer Price:______________ Date of offer:________ Expires on:________
1) What is the occupation of the purchaser(s)?
him:_____________________________ her:__________________________
2) How long have they worked?__________________/___________________
3) How much do they make per year?______________/_______________
4) Have they been pre-qualified or pre-approved with a lender? Yes No
5) Name and phone number of lender:__________________________________
6) How much is the deposit?___________________Personal check? Other
7) How much is the down payment?_______________________
8) Fixed rate or variable rate loan? (circle one)
9) Seller to pay points? Yes No Amount:__________________
10) Seller to pay closing costs and/or repairs? Yes No Amount:________________
11) Seller to carry a note? Yes No If yes, terms of note:
Escrow/Attorney/Title Information
1) Name of Escrow Co. and/or Attorney:__________________________________
Phone: ( )___________________ Contact:_______________________
2) Escrow time period:__________ Date of closing:______________________
3) Name of Title Company:_______________________________________
4) Does contract say "and/or nominee"? Yes No If yes, who is he/she?
5) Any co-signors? Yes No Was credit checked on them too? Yes No
6) If so, names of co-signors:_________________________________________
7) Is this a "short-sale"? Yes No
8) If yes, drop-dead date for short-sale approval:__________________________
Physical Inspection/ Pest Control
1) Does contract call for a home inspection? Yes No (If not, Buyer to sign waiver addendum)
2) When is home inspection scheduled to be done? Date:__________________
3) Will the utilities be on for the inspection date? Yes No
4) When will the pest-control inspection be done?________________________
5) Name of pest-control company:_______________________phone:_____________
What we liked about your home:__________________________________________
Our concerns:_________________________________________________________

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