7 Terms to Watch for in a Purchase Contract

• The closing date . See if the date the buyer wants to take title is reasonable for you.
  
  
• Date of possession . See if the date the buyer wants to move in is reasonable for you.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Fixtures and personal property . Check the list of items that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it's acceptable.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The contract expiration date . See how long you have to make a decision on the offer.