The successful marketing of your home requires a good agent, but it is in the offer and negotiation stage where you want to be sure you have chosen the best representation. This stage is one of the most crucial aspects of the purchase and sale process, and it requires a team effort. Often, the presentation and negotiation of a purchase and sale agreement can be completed in just a few hours! Pat and Elspeth are solid negotiators with a good reputation; this is one of the moments when their skill as top-producers clearly pays off.

During the drafting process, the purchaser's agent will ask that the following details be established:

• Amount of money that you are offering to pay.
• Amount of the deposit. This money is deposited into a Trust Account, and as a general rule, a large deposit communicates to the vender that you're serious, and that you have genuine intent.
• List of chattels and fixtures for inclusion / exclusion.
• Irrevocable Date: this is the amount of time that the purchaser is bound to redeem their offer.
• Closing Date: the date and time that the property deed will change hands. This date is usually set anywhere from 10 to 60 days from the time of agreement. In extenuating circumstances, the closing date may be significantly longer. You will have until this closing date to coordinate your move.
• Conditions: the list of conditions can include virtually anything, but it usually provides the purchaser with time to arrange adequate financing, to verify the property's integrity, or to sell their existing home. Conditions generally reduce the appeal of the offer to a vendor, so it's a good idea to settle as many conditions as possible prior to tendering an offer.
• Signatures

Your agent will then take the Offer to Purchase, along with proof of your deposit in Trust, and will present these to the Vendor and the Vendor's agent. As your representatives, Pat and Elspeth will keep you informed of any developments in your absence.

When an offer is made:

Your agent will be notified that an offer is pending.  You will probably be asked to stay within reach so that you can be contacted as soon as an offer has been signed. During the presentation of the Offer to Purchase, your agent will review all of the terms and answer any questions. At this time, you can choose to accept or decline, or to tender a counter offer to the purchaser. Your agent will help you through this process and will answer any questions you have at that time. As your representatives, Pat and Elspeth will always keep you informed, and will ensure that you understand each phase of development as you work toward a successful agreement.

Closing the deal:

Once an Agreement of Purchase and Sale is signed and accepted, you have a binding deal. Your agent will then work to ensure that all of the loose ends are tied up: conditions need to be waived, funds moved, mortgages released, and titles transferred. Your agent will stay on top of the deal to make sure that all of the necessary steps are completed without a hitch.