How to Compare Written Offers for Your House

Create one row for each important term

Record the proposed price, named parties, seller-paid costs, required work, access arrangements, inspections, and closing date. Mark anything that is estimated or unresolved. Do not fill in a missing promise based on what an advertisement said.

Questions and details to organize

• Ask who pays each cost rather than assuming “no fees” covers everything.
• Separate a target date from a binding deadline in the agreement.
• Check whether possession is expected at closing or another time.
• Identify any circumstances allowing a price change or cancellation.

Use current figures for money questions

If there is a mortgage, ask the servicer or closing professional for the appropriate payoff information rather than using a remembered balance. Ask the closing professional to explain the settlement figures that apply to your transaction. This checklist is a way to organize questions, not a calculation of your proceeds.

Resolve differences before signing

If the written proposal differs from the conversation, ask for clarification or correction. Keep the current version and use an appropriately qualified adviser when obligations are unclear. The best comparison is between actual complete proposals, not a firm offer and an optimistic estimate.