Checklist Tags

These are the checklists related to Week 7.

If you’re a Nomad working to buy a home within the next 3 months then these are the recommend tasks for Week 7 as part of the Ultimate Nomad Checklist™.

Week 7 is about continuing to look at properties and make an offer when you find properties that fit your needs as a Nomad.

When you click on the task, you can also see the tags that task is filed under. You can also click on the tag to see other tasks with that tag.

  1. Review my "Future Narrative"
  2. Schedule on your calendar when you'll do this week's tasks from your Future Narrative
    You're much more likely to follow through on your goals if you plan out when you'll do the steps to achieve them.

    So, take a moment to schedule out on your calendar when you'll actually do the tasks for this week on your calendar. Make an appointment with yourself to do them. If you need to reschedule one, reschedule it (don't delete it).

    ASAPFirst Meeting: Your Real Estate GoalsUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 1Week 10Week 11Week 12Week 13Week 14Week 15Week 16Week 17Week 18Week 19Week 2Week 20Week 21Week 22Week 23Week 24Week 25Week 26Week 27Week 28Week 29Week 3Week 30Week 31Week 32Week 33Week 34Week 35Week 36Week 37Week 38Week 39Week 4Week 40Week 41Week 42Week 43Week 44Week 45Week 46Week 47Week 48Week 49Week 5Week 50Week 51Week 52Week 53Week 54Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9

  3. Analyze Properties
    Analyze properties daily as they come in from automatic property searches. Save a copy of Brian's Deal Analysis Spreadsheet for each deal you analyze in your Dropbox folder for this deal/purchase.

    If the deal looks interesting after analyzing it, request a showing.

    Mark this task complete once you've analyzed deals for the day.

    Analyzing DealsCash FlowFirst Meeting: Analyze DealNet Operating IncomeUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  4. Class Watch "Making Strong Offers that Get Accepted" Recording of Live Class
  5. Class Watch "Low Ball Offer Case Studies" Recording of Live Class
    Watch the recording of the live presentation of "Low Ball Offer Case Studies" available on:

    https://RealEstateFinancialPlanner.com/low-ball-offer/

    ASAPClassesFirst Meeting: Write OfferMarket StatsUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 59Week 7

  6. Discuss what is required to write an offer
    Discuss with your Real Estate Broker what is required when you're ready to write an offer.

    Here is most of what is required as a guide to discuss:

    • Full name(s) as you want it to appear on title
    • Offer price
    • Seller concessions amount (if any)
    • Earnest money amount and when it is due
    • Down payment amount and when it is due
    • Loan type or types you are considering to buy the property
    • Days until you close
    • Any dates and deadlines that are a concern from you that differ from the norm
    • Loan pre-approval letter
    • Who's paying the Closing Services Fee
    • Any due diligence documents you require
    • Anything you might want to do to make your offer stronger

    Mark this task as complete once you understand what is required to write an offer when you're ready.

    ASAPFirst Meeting: Write OfferUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 7

  7. Receive a generic copy of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate"
    Receive a completed copy of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" from your Real Estate Broker so you can see how it might look filled out in a generic way.

    ASAPFirst Meeting: Write OfferUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 7

  8. Read through "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate"
    Read through the generic completed version of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" with a pen and a highlighter. Highlight sections you have questions about and write down your questions on the contract itself.

    Schedule time to meet with your Real Estate Broker, Attorney and CPA as needed to get your questions answered.

    ASAPFirst Meeting: Write OfferUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 7

  9. Meet with your Attorney to go over "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate"
    Once you've read through the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" and highlighted sections you have questions about, take your questions and meet with your Contract and Paperwork Attorney and go over your questions about the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Better to do this well before you have an offer you're about to make so you don't delay making your offer and miss out on a property you really want.

    Mark this task as complete once you feel comfortable with the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    ASAPFirst Meeting: Write OfferUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 7

  10. Meet with your Real Estate Broker to go over "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate"
    Once you've read through the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" and highlighted sections you have questions about, take your questions and meet with your Real Estate Broker and go over your questions about the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Better to do this well before you have an offer you're about to make so you don't delay making your offer and miss out on a property you really want.

    Mark this task as complete once you feel comfortable with the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    ASAPFirst Meeting: Write OfferUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 7

  11. Meet with your CPA to go over "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate"
    Once you've read through the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" and highlighted sections you have questions about, take your tax related questions and meet with your CPA and go over your questions about the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Better to do this well before you have an offer you're about to make so you don't delay making your offer and miss out on a property you really want.

    Mark this task as complete once you feel comfortable with the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    ASAPFirst Meeting: Write OfferUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 7

  12. Review "Seller's Property Disclosure"
    Read through the "Seller's Property Disclosure" for the property you're considering making an offer on or after you've made the offer if the Seller failed to provide ahead of time.

    Mark this task complete once you've read the "Seller's Property Disclosure".

    ASAPMaking OffersPaperworkPre-Showings: Mock ContractSellers Property DisclosureUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9

  13. Review "Square Footage Disclosure"
    Read through the "Square Footage Disclosure" to see if you have any questions about information in that disclosure.

    Mark this task complete once you've read the "Square Footage Disclosure".

    ASAPMaking OffersPaperworkPre-Showings: Mock ContractUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9

  14. IF FORT COLLINS: Review "Occupancy Limits Disclosure For Property Sale"
    Read through the "Occupancy Limits Disclosure For Property Sale" to see if you have any questions about information in that disclosure.

    Mark this task complete once you've read the "Occupancy Limits Disclosure For Property Sale".

    ASAPMaking OffersPaperworkPre-Showings: Mock ContractUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9

  15. Create property folder on your computer within Dropbox
    Create a folder for this property purchase on your computer within Dropbox to stay organized.

    Mark this task complete once you've created the folder.

    ASAPComputer SetupShowingsUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9

  16. Complete "Showings: Request Showing" checklist
  17. Look at properties as they come on the market
    Review properties as you receive them to see if it something that you would consider and should run your analysis using the deal analysis spreadsheet.

    Showings: Request ShowingUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9

  18. Analyze property before requesting a showing
    Analyze properties daily as they come in from automatic property searches. Save a copy of Brian's Deal Analysis Spreadsheet for each deal you analyze in your Dropbox folder for this deal/purchase.

    If the deal looks interesting after analyzing it, request a showing.

    Mark this task complete once you've analyzed deals for the day.

    Analyzing DealsCash FlowNet Operating IncomeShowings: Request ShowingUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  19. IF PROPERTY LOOKS INTERESTING: Create property folder in Dropbox
    If the property looks interesting and you're considering it, create a property folder in your Dropbox folder.

    Analyzing DealsNet Operating IncomeShowings: Request ShowingUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  20. IF PROPERTY LOOKS INTERESTING: Save analysis spreadsheet to your property folder
    If the property looks interesting and you're considering it save a copy of the deal analysis spreadsheet for this property to the property folder in Dropbox.

    Use the file naming convention:

    "YYYY-MM-DD - 1234 Main St - Analysis Spreadsheet.xlsx"

    Where YYYY is the four digit year, MM is the two digit month, DD is the two digit day of the month and 1234 Main St is the street address of the property.

    Analyzing DealsNet Operating IncomeShowings: Request ShowingUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  21. IF PROPERTY LOOKS INTERESTING: Request rent comps from your Real Estate Broker
    We are currently testing this as a service, but we've subscribed to a company where we can pull rental comparables for properties.

    If you are analyzing a property and it looks interesting, you can email James and Tammy and ask them to pull rental comparables to see what fair market rent might be on the property.

    Be sure to include the following in your email request:

    • Address of the property
    • Number of bedrooms (required to do rent comps)
    • Whether it is a SFH or apartment (the two choices for rent comps)
    • Whether you want just the report or the report and the CSV of the rent comps data if you plan to do some additional work on the data yourself in Excel

    Analyzing DealsCash FlowNet Operating IncomeShowings: Request ShowingUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  22. IF PROPERTY LOOKS INTERESTING: Email Real Estate Broker to request showing
    If after analyzing the property it looks interesting, request a showing by emailing your Real Estate Broker.

    TIP: If you're working with James and Tammy, be sure to email both of them since James may not be in his email and Tammy could setup up the showing before James will even be back in his email. If you just email James, he may not even see it until much later and then he'll typically forward it to Tammy to setup the showing.

    Be sure to include:

    • Property address
    • MLS number if possible
    • Your availability to be able to see the property (provided the Seller can accommodate that day and time)
    • Any additional questions you might have about it (if any)

    Analyzing DealsNet Operating IncomeShowings: Request ShowingUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  23. Complete "Showings: Buyer Tour" checklist
  24. REAL ESTATE BROKER: Sends "Buyer Tour"
    Once you've requested a showing your Real Estate Broker should send you over a "Buyer Tour" as a PDF.

    Mark this task as complete when you've received it.

    Showings: Buyer TourUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  25. Read through "Buyer Tour" from Real Estate Broker
    Once you receive the "Buyer Tour" read through it to learn more about the property and surrounding area.

    Showings: Buyer TourUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  26. Save "Buyer Tour" to property folder in Dropbox
    Save a copy of your "Buyer Tour" to the property folder in Dropbox.

    Use the following file naming convention:

    "YYYY-MM-DD - 1234 Main St - Buyer Tour.pdf"

    Showings: Buyer TourUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  27. Print "Buyer Tour" and bring on Showing
    If you want to bring a copy of the "Buyer Tour" with you to the Showing by printing a copy of it.

    Showings: Buyer TourUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  28. Complete "Showings: MLS Sheet" checklist
  29. REAL ESTATE BROKER: Send "MLS Sheet"
    Once you've requested a showing your Real Estate Broker should send you over the "MLS Sheet" as a PDF.

    Mark this task as complete when you've received it.

    Showings: MLS SheetUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  30. Read through "MLS Sheet" from Real Estate Broker
    Once you receive the "MLS Sheet" read through it to learn more about the property.

    Showings: MLS SheetUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  31. Save "MLS Sheet" to property folder on Dropbox
    Save a copy of your "MLS Sheet" to the property folder in Dropbox.

    Use the following file naming convention:

    "YYYY-MM-DD - 1234 Main St - MLS Sheet.pdf"

    Showings: MLS SheetUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  32. Print "MLS Sheet" and bring to Showing
    If you want to print a copy of the "MLS Sheet" so you can bring a printed copy with you to the Showing.

    Most Real Estate Brokers, like James, will bring a copy of the "MLS Sheet" for you to the Showing.

    Showings: MLS SheetUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

  33. Complete "Showings: Looking at Houses" checklist
  34. Complete "Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence" checklist
  35. Verify loan terms with Lender
    Before writing your offer, you may want to check-in with your Lender (especially if it has been awhile since you have) to verify the terms of the loan you plan to get.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  36. Verify Earnest Money amount and source
    Before writing your offer, you may want to double check with your Real Estate Broker how much you will need for Earnest Money.

    Also, do you know what bank account or source of your Earnest Money will be?

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  37. Verify Down Payment amount and source
    Before writing your offer, you may want to double check with your Lender how much you will need for your Down Payment with the loan program you're planning to use.

    Plus, do you know where you'll be getting the Down Payment from? Double check with your Lender that the proposed source of your Down Payment will be fine with the loan program you plan to do. This is especially important if you are getting the Down Payment as a gift or from an account that does not have your name on it.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  38. Do you have your Lender Letter for the offer price?
    Before writing your offer, do you have Lender Letter with the exact amount of your offer price on it? If not, an offer without a Lender Letter or Proof of Funds is a very weak offer and not likely to be accepted so it is highly recommended that you get one prior to submitting your offer.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  39. Have you read the "Seller's Property Disclosure" and any previous "Seller's Property Disclosures"?
    Before writing your offer, have you read the current "Seller's Property Disclosure"?

    If the Seller has not provided one yet, are you going to request one in the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate"?

    Also, if there are copies of previous "Seller's Property Disclosures" from previous times the property was listed for sale, have you read those as well to see what previous Sellers disclosed about the property that maybe this one has not? You're Real Estate Broker can pull up old ones by looking in the MLS.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  40. Have you read the "MLS Sheet" and any previous "MLS Sheets"?
    Before writing your offer, have you read the current "MLS Sheet" for this property?

    Also, if is this property was listed for sale previously, have you read the prior "MLS Sheets" from previous Sellers?

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  41. IF NOMAD OR RENTAL: Have you looked at rental comps?
    If this property is going to be a rental property, have you looked at rental comps?

    If you're a client of James and Tammy, you can ask them to send you rental comps from the new service they subscribed to provide this to clients.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  42. IF NOMAD OR RENTAL: Have you analyzed the property?
    If this property is going to be a rental property, have you analyzed the property with Brian's spreadsheet?

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  43. Have you read the "Public Records" history?
    Before writing an offer, it might be a good idea to read through the public records history on the property to see if the property has an unusual past.

    Examples of things you might be able to see by reading the public records history include that the property was a foreclosure, a fix and flip, or was seized by the IRS or DEA.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  44. Have you looked at the flood zone map?
    Before writing an offer, it might be a good idea to look at the flood zone map to see if the property is obviously in a flood zone.

    If you get a loan, your Lender will do a complete Flood Zone Certification and if it is in a flood zone will likely require extra (often expensive) flood insurance.

    Our preliminary check is to get an early warning that the property might be a flood zone.

    Some areas have easily accessible flood zone maps like Larimer County. Weld County not quite as easy to find a flood map for.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  45. Have you looked at the listing history?
    Before writing an offer, you may also want to look at the listing history for the property.

    How many times before was it listed for sale? For what price? Did it take a long time to sell? Have there been price drops? How many? Significant ones?

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  46. Have you reviewed HOA documents?
    In most cases you will not have access to the HOA documents until after you're under contract. However, in some cases you may have access before going under contract, so you may also want to read through the HOA docs.

    Can you do what you plan to do with the property based on the HOA documents? Is the HOA well funded and has adequate cash reserves?

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  47. REAL ESTATE BROKER: Call Seller's Real Estate Broker
    Before making an offer, we strongly encourage your Real Estate Broker to call the Seller's Real Estate Broker to find out what is an ideal offer for the Seller.

    If there are things you don't care about but that are important to the Seller, let's try to hit as many of those as possible in your offer.

    If there are things that the Seller says are important you might be able to adjust your offer to make your offer even more attractive.

    Your Real Estate Broker should also clarify the situation for the Seller and the property if possible.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  48. Discuss home warranty with Real Estate Broker
    Before making an offer discuss home warranties with your Real Estate Broker including:

    • What they are?
    • What they cost?
    • What they cover?
    • If you want to try to get the Seller to pay for one for you with your offer?

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  49. Discuss lot selection criteria with Real Estate Broker
    Before making an offer on a new construction property it might be a good idea to discuss your lot selection with your Real Estate Broker.

    Does the lot face north making it more likely to have ice on your driveway and walkways?
    Is it a corner lot? Some people prefer corner lots; some people don't. You also need to shovel more sidewalk in the winter with a corner lot.
    Is the lot near something positive like open space or a park?
    Is the lot near something negative like the dump or oil drilling?

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  50. Discuss upgrades with Real Estate Broker
    Before making an offer on a new construction property it might be a good idea to discuss which upgrades you plan to get with your Real Estate Broker. What is included varies from builder to builder so it is important to ask and discuss this.

    Often, builders charge a change order fee if you decide you want to add or remove upgrades once you're under contract. And, at some point, the builder will tell you that it is too late to change things since the upgrades have already been ordered, purchased and/or installed.

    Things to consider with new construction for upgrades include:

    • AC
    • Garage door opener
    • Backyard landscaping
    • Refrigerator and microwave
    • Blinds

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  51. Discuss change order fee with Real Estate Broker
    Often, builders charge a change order fee if you decide you want to add or remove upgrades once you're under contract. And, at some point, the builder will tell you that it is too late to change things since the upgrades have already been ordered, purchased and/or installed.

    Before making your offer it helps to know what the change order fee is (the amount) and when you can make changes and when you can no longer make changes.

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  52. Discuss radon policy with Real Estate Broker
    Most builders are installing passive radon systems in homes when they build them in Northern Colorado.

    However, the policy on testing for radon and making the systems active varies.

    Some builders will allow you to test for radon and if it comes in above 4.0 picoCuries per Liter, they will pay to have the passive system upgraded to an active system to get it below the threshold.

    Other builders, will allow you to test but they do not do anything if it comes in above the threshold. It would be up to you, after Closing to install an active system.

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  53. Discuss builder warranty with Real Estate Broker
    If you're buying new construction, discuss the builder's warranty with your Real Estate Broker and the builder so that you understand what is covered, how it is covered and for what period of time.

    New ConstructionUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Pre-Offer Due Diligence

  54. Complete "Writing Offer: Strategize" checklist
  55. Discuss offer price to make your offer stronger
    When making an offer a major factor is often the price you offer. Typically the higher your offer the better, but a high offer that must appraise is not really a strong offer.

    So, discuss with your Real Estate Broker that if you're in multiple offer situation, you may want to offer your highest and best offer but be willing to back it it up with a complementary appraisal condition in your "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Strategize

  56. Discuss appraisal to make your offer stronger
    Removing your appraisal contingency or limiting your appraisal contingency by saying that you have enough money and are willing to make up the difference should the property not appraise will strengthen your offer.

    In normal market conditions where there are not multiple offers and with new construction, removing or limiting your appraisal contingency is probably is not necessary.

    However, in multiple offer scenarios and especially when you're making an offer above asking price, discuss with your Real Estate Broker some ways to strengthen your offer by adjusting the appraisal conditions part of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Strategize

  57. Discuss inspection to make your offer stronger
    Removing your inspection contingency completely or limiting your inspection contingency by saying that you will not present a list of cosmetic repairs will strengthen your offer.

    In normal market conditions where there are not multiple offers and with new construction, removing or limiting your inspection contingency is probably is not necessary.

    However, in multiple offer scenarios discuss with your Real Estate Broker some ways to strengthen your offer by adjusting the inspection conditions part of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Strategize

  58. Discuss due diligence documents to make your offer stronger
    The fewer due diligence documents you ask for the less hassle there is for a Seller and the stronger your offer may be.

    In normal market conditions where there are not multiple offers and with new construction, limiting the due diligence documents you request is probably is not necessary.

    However, in multiple offer scenarios discuss with your Real Estate Broker some ways to strengthen your offer by reducing which due diligence documents you insist on as part of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Strategize

  59. Discuss Earnest Money to make your offer stronger
    The more Earnest Money you put at risk should you not perform according to the terms of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" the stronger your offer is.

    However, most sophisticated Real Estate Brokers representing Sellers understands that our "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" is written very pro-Buyer such that it is not likely that a Seller will get to keep Earnest Money if a Buyer acts in good faith and terminates under a legitimate section of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    In normal market conditions where there are not multiple offers and with new construction, raising the Earnest Money you offer is probably is not necessary. However, offering the Earnest Money that is requested in the MLS is expected and offering less is a sign that the offer is weaker in most cases.

    If you're trying to make an offer with little or nothing down and don't have or don't want to put up the requested Earnest Money, we may need to explain this and find a sympathetic Seller.

    However, in multiple offer scenarios discuss with your Real Estate Broker strengthening your offer by increasing how much Earnest Money is included as part of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate". This is not in my top 3 ways to strengthen an offer and is not a significant strengthening in most cases.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Strategize

  60. Discuss "Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement" to make your offer stronger
    If a Seller needs or wants to stay in the property after Closing, then offering a "Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement" will strengthen your offer.

    If this is a benefit to the Seller (which we'd often find out either on the "MLS Sheet" or by calling the Seller's Real Estate Broker prior to writing the offer), discuss with your Real Estate Broker including a "Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement" with your "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Strategize

  61. Discuss survey to make your offer stronger
    If you do not require a survey or if you require a survey but agree to pay for the survey in the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" that will strengthen your offer.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Strategize

  62. Discuss paying for "Owner's Title Insurance Policy" to make your offer stronger
    It is a negotiated item in the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate", but it is often customary for the Seller to pay for the "Owner's Title Insurance Policy".

    If you want to make your offer strong by having the Seller net a larger amount without having to worry about raising the offer price and worrying that the property will not appraise, you may want to discuss with your Real Estate Broker offering to pay for the "Owner's Title Insurance Policy".

    You will always pays for the "Lender's Title Insurance Policy" unless we negotiate Seller Concessions (which is relatively common) or we add it as an additional provision (which I've never seen done).

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Strategize

  63. Complete "Writing Offer: Info Required" checklist
  64. Get exact Lender Letter as needed when making offers
    Get a Pre-Approval Letter from your Lender for the exact amount of the offer you're about to write.

    Having a Lender Letter helps you get your offer accepted.

    FinancingUltimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Info Required

  65. Complete "Writing Offer: Draft Offer" checklist
  66. REAL ESTATE BROKER: Drafts offer and sends you copy
    Once your Real Estate Broker has all the information they need to write the offer for you, your Real Estate Broker will write a draft of your offer and send you a copy via PDF.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  67. Save copy of draft offer to Dropbox
    Once you receive the draft of the offer from your Real Estate Broker as a PDF save a copy of it to your Dropbox folder for this property.

    Use the file naming convention:

    "YYYY-MM-DD - 1234 Main St - Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate.pdf"

    You will overwrite it when you get the final, fully executed signed copy.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  68. Review draft of offer
    Once you receive the draft of the offer from your Real Estate Broker as a PDF review it, highlighting any sections you have a question about and writing your questions in the margins.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  69. Ask your Real Estate Broker your questions about draft offer
    After you've reviewed the offer, highlighted sections you have questions about and wrote down your questions in the margins ask your Real Estate Broker the questions you have and have them explain it to you.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  70. Ask your Contract and Paperwork Attorney your questions about draft offer
    Some clients will opt to call their Contract and Paperwork Attorney to ask questions they have about the draft of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  71. Ask your CPA your questions about draft offer
    Some clients will opt to call their CPA to ask questions they have about the draft of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  72. Ask your Property Manager your questions about draft offer
    Some clients will opt to call their Property Manager to ask questions they have about the draft of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  73. Ask your Insurance Agent your questions about draft offer
    Some clients will opt to call their Insurance Agent to ask questions they have about the draft of the "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate".

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  74. Approve draft with Real Estate Broker
    Once you have all your questions answered and you feel comfortable with the draft offer, approve the draft with your Real Estate Broker.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Draft Offer

  75. Complete "Writing Offer: Review Offer" checklist
  76. REAL ESTATE BROKER: Entire offer with disclosures sent over via DocuSign
    Once you've approved the draft offer with your Real Estate Broker, your Real Estate Broker will typically send over the entire offer including all the related disclosures to you via DocuSign.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Review Offer

  77. Review entire offer and disclosures in DocuSign
    Review the entire offer (that was already approved from your draft) especially if you asked your Real Estate Broker to make changes to your draft.

    Also, take time to review all the additional disclosure documents included with the DocuSign envelope.

    If there are any problems, DO NOT SIGN... tell your Real Estate Broker so they can make corrections.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Review Offer

  78. Complete "Writing Offer: Sign Offer" checklist
  79. IF LEASE OPTION BUYING SPECIFIC HOUSE FOR TENANT-BUYER: Get Option Fee before signing contract
    If you're buying a house that the Tenant-Buyer selects from the MLS and offering it to them as a Lease-Option, you should collect the Option Fee from the Tenant-Buyer before signing an offer.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Sign Offer

  80. Sign your offer in DocuSign
    As you read through and approve each part of the offer, you can sign and initial where DocuSign prompts you to sign and initial.

    If more than one person needs to sign, be sure to have each person sign and initial.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Sign Offer

  81. Receive copy of your offer envelope from DocuSign
    Once everyone has signed and initialed each part of the offer, DocuSign will automatically send each person copies of the fully signed documents as PDFs.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Sign Offer

  82. Save copy of each document in your offer to Dropbox
    Once you receive your copies of the documents, save each document to your property folder in Dropbox.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Sign Offer

  83. Complete "Writing Offer: Present Offer" checklist
  84. REAL ESTATE BROKER: Your Real Estate Broker will call and present offer to Seller's Real Estate Broker
    Once your Real Estate Broker sees that your offer has been signed by all the Buyers, they will prepare to send the offer to the Seller's Real Estate Broker.

    Your Real Estate Broker will prepare an email (or two emails to is how we usually do it in our office) and then your Real Estate Broker will call the Seller's Real Estate Broker to talk about your strengths as a buyer and the strengths and benefits of selecting your offer.

    A great Real Estate Broker will talk about the benefits to the Seller for selecting your offer and the intent that you're trying to do a win-win transaction.

    Your Real Estate Broker will usually BCC you on the email they send to the Seller's Real Estate Broker so you know it has been sent.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Present Offer

  85. REAL ESTATE BROKER: Your Real Estate Broker will verify Seller's Real Estate Broker received your offer
    Most Seller's Real Estate Brokers will acknowledge the receipt of the offer with a reply email.

    Your Real Estate Broker will usually BCC you in to thank them for acknowledging receipt so you know that your offer has been received.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Present Offer

  86. Complete "Writing Offer: Negotiate Offer" checklist
  87. IF COUNTERED: Discuss terms of "Counter-Proposal" with Real Estate Broker
    If your offer was countered by the Seller, then discuss with your Real Estate Broker what changes from your original offer were made by the Seller.

    Discuss whether you will accept the "Counter-Proposal", reject the "Counter-Proposal" or counter back with an alternative offer yourself.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Negotiate Offer

  88. IF COUNTERED: Save "Counter-Proposal" to Dropbox
    If your offer was countered by the Seller, then save a copy of the "Counter-Proposal" to your property folder in Dropbox.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Negotiate Offer

  89. IF COUNTERED OR REJECTED: Work with Real Estate Broker to negotiate new terms
    If your offer was countered by the Seller or rejected but another offer was not accepted, then work with your Real Estate Broker to negotiate new terms.

    These may be in the form of a new "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate" or a "Counter-Proposal" of your own.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Negotiate Offer

  90. IF REJECTED: Consider submitting a different
    If your offer was rejected by the Seller and another offer was not accepted, then work with your Real Estate Broker to consider submitting a new, slightly different offer that might work for you and the Seller.

    Ultimate Nomad ChecklistWeek 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8Writing Offer: Negotiate Offer