Purchase Price & Financing

• Offer price, down payment amount & percentage, loan amount
• Loan type: conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA
• Max interest rate (your ceiling — e.g. “not to exceed 7.0%”)
• Lender pre-approval letter + proof of funds required with offer

Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)

• Typically 1–3% of purchase price; due within 3 business days of acceptance
• Paid via cashier’s check or wire — held by escrow
• Refundable within contingency windows; at risk once contingencies are removed

Contingencies

• Inspection — Right to inspect; typical window 10–17 days
• Appraisal — Protects buyer if property appraises below purchase price
• Loan — Protects buyer if financing falls through; 17–21 day window
• Title — Clear title must be confirmed before close

Required Disclosures

• Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) & Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ)
• Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) & Preliminary Title Report
• HOA documents — CC&Rs, financials, meeting minutes (if applicable)

Credits, Closing & Possession

• Seller credits toward closing costs (dollar amount or % of purchase price)
• Home warranty — who pays, which plan
• Close of escrow date — 21 days from acceptance (your contract)
• Possession at COE, or seller rent-back terms if applicable

Offer Logistics

• Expiration: typically 24–72 hours after submission
• Escalation clause (optional) — auto-increases your bid up to a set max
• Buyer agent compensation must be agreed in writing (BRBC) before touring