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, a large deposit is usually a good indication of a
sincere buyer.

4. Fixtures and personal property. Check the list of items
that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be
sure it’s acceptable.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. The contract expiration date. See how long you have to
make a decision on the offer.

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