Compare a Listing, a Direct Offer, and a Novation Proposal

Start with who does what

For a listing, ask the agent about preparation, marketing, fees, and the expected seller responsibilities. For a direct offer, ask who is purchasing and what conditions remain. For a novation proposal, ask how the sale to another buyer would work and what the agreement authorizes. The contract controls the details.

Questions and details to organize

• Who is expected to purchase the property?
• Will the home be marketed or shown to other buyers?
• Who pays each identified cost?
• What inspections or other conditions remain?
• What happens if a buyer is not found or a deadline changes?

Use the same comparison sheet

Put proposed price, responsibilities, access requirements, dates, and unresolved conditions next to each other. Ask for missing items in writing. The name of the sale method does not establish the final amount you receive or guarantee a closing date.

Ask for explanation before agreement

You can ask a company to walk through its proposal in plain language. If a term changes the authority you give someone, the risk you accept, or your obligations, obtain qualified advice before signing. Our East Point and Grand Rapids stories identify their novation structure rather than describing every completed sale as a cash purchase.