Making an Offer on a House

Home Buying Timeline: From Offer to Purchase Contract

Why buying a house is often a weeks-long process.

Contingencies to Include in Your House Purchase Contract

Inspections, financing, and other conditions you'd like to see met before you'll agree to close the deal and buy a house.

Co-op Purchase Contracts: What to Watch Out For

Unique considerations when preparing to sign a contract to buy a unit within a co-op.

New York Home Buyers: What Does It Mean to Be "In Contract" and What Happens to Your Downpayment

Unusual real estate offer and contracting procedures in the state of New York.

How Much Should I Offer for a House: List Price, Higher, or Lower?

In the end, it's the market—that is, the level of other buyers' interest in the house, and their view of how it compares to other available houses—that determines how much a house will sell for.

What Is an Escalation Clause in Real Estate and How Does it Work?

Adding an escalation clause to your home purchase offer—which would match and exceed all other bids—might be a way to edge out the competition.

Does a Home Seller Have to Accept a Full-Price Offer?

What are home sellers obligated to do when buyers submit a full-price, contingency-free offer?

How Does Seller Financing Work in a Home Sale?

What goes in your offer and contract in instances where the seller, rather than a traditional lender, will provide financing.

How long do I have to withdraw an offer to buy a house?

If you have to backtrack, find out whether you're in contract and what that contract says.

Seller Pulled Out of Home Purchase Deal for No Reason: Now What?

Your contract sets the terms for when a seller can legally back out of the deal -- but a lawsuit might be necessary to enforce it.

What Form Should I Use to Make a Home Purchase Offer?

In most U.S. states, a standard house-buying form is used for setting forth your offered price, conditions, closing date, and more.

What Does “Transparent Pricing” Mean for Home Buyers?

Homes for sale are advertised with a “list price,” which is set by the sellers. But the question for buyers is, is the seller using "strategic pricing" or "transparent pricing"?