HOW DO I MAKE AN OFFER?

Your Great Falls real estate agent will assist you in making an offer, which will include the following information:

	Complete legal description of the property
	Amount of earnest money
	Down payment and financing details
	Proposed move-in date
	Price you are offering
	Proposed closing date
	Length of time the offer is valid
	Details of the deal

Remember that a sale commitment depends on negotiating a satisfactory contract with the seller, not just Making an offer.

 HOW DO I DETERMINE THE INITIAL OFFER?

Unless you have a buyer's agent, remember that the agent works for the seller. Make a point of asking him or her to keep your discussions and information confidential. Listen to your real estate agent's advice, but follow your own instincts on deciding a fair price.

WHAT IS EARNEST MONEY? HOW MUCH SHOULD I SET ASIDE?

Earnest money is money put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home.

 WHAT ARE "HOME WARRANTIES", AND SHOULD I CONSIDER THEM?

Home warranties offer you protection for a specific period of time (e.g., one year) against potentially costly problems, like unexpected repairs on appliances or home systems, which are not covered by homeowner's insurance. Warranties are becoming more popular because they offer protection during the time immediately following the purchase of a home, a time when many people find themselves cash-strapped.

Financing Basics