Step #4 - Submitting Your Offer

Before the written offer to purchase is created, it is very important that you have been at least pre-qualified or better yet pre-approved by a lender. This is one of the best negotiating tools a buyer can have. It shows the seller that you are financially able to purchase the home. After you have found the right home, it is time to prepare the offer. In Columbia County, the offer to purchase is a one page form designed and approved by the Columbia County Board of Realtors entitled 'Standard Purchase Offer and Deposit Receipt.' It covers all facets of the purchase process, such as:

• purchase price
• amount and type of earnest money
• contingencies (financing, inspection, etc.)
• personal items you wish the seller to include (washer/dryer, etc.)
• formal contract date and closing date
• time limit for conducting inspection, obtaining financing, etc.
• responsibilities of both buyer and seller
• approval by both buyers and sellers attorneys

Once you make the written offer, we present it to the Seller's Agent. The Seller may accept it, prepare a counter offer, or reject the offer all together. Once the offer is accepted, it is a legally binding contract, subject to approval by the Sellers and Buyers attorneys within a specified period of time.