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Proof of Funds Comes First

In the Tampa Bay market, sellers expect buyers to provide proof of funds. That can be a pre-approval letter from a bank, credit union, or mortgage company, or a statement from a financial institution showing a sufficient cash balance. Black out the account number with a marker before you send it.

The FAR/BAR As-Is Contract

My staff and I will prepare a 13-page Florida Realtors/Florida Bar as-is contract (the FAR/BAR) and email it to you for your signature and 11 initials. The first round is paperless. The signed contract and your proof of funds are the minimum requirement to make an offer. Many banks and other sellers require additional documents with the offer, and every seller requires further documents and deposits once the offer is accepted.

Expect a Counteroffer and “Highest and Best”

Expect to negotiate before you get an acceptance. Get used to being countered and hearing “highest and best.”

Deposits and Your Inspection Period

We make offers through a paperless system, but many sellers will require all of the paperwork to be done again in hard copy with original signatures after the offer is accepted. Your deposit is due within 3 days of acceptance. Your inspection period is generally 15 days. Once it ends, your deposit is at risk if you back out.

What We Need to Write Your Offer

• Offer price
• Deposit amount
• Closing date
• How you want to take title (what name or names)
• Mailing address for your documents

There are a few more questions after that. If you email us that you want to make an offer and don’t know all the answers, call me and I’ll walk you through it.

Why a Well-Written Offer Wins

Offers need to be written in a way the seller can accept. A poorly written offer is not considered the same way a well-written, thought-out offer is. The deposit, for example, has to be appropriate for the price.

When you’re ready to make an offer, start with our current listings on 409home.com, then call me. If you’re looking at a fixer-upper, see Six Handyman Specials, Priced for the Work They Need.

Randy
Randal Jenkins, Broker-Owner, Florida Real Estate Partners
(727) 409-HOME (4663)
RJ409home@gmail.com