To some real estate buyer newbies, the decision to make an offer on a Sanibel or Captiva Island property and to then work with their Realtor to submit the offer and negotiate it successfully is the final stage.  Buyers feel that the hard part is behind them and the rest is all downhill.

It may be downhill, however sometimes there are moguls or even some cliffs that may show up on the way to the real finish line and a successful Sanibel closing.  

Some aspects to consider start with a home inspection.  The inspections may find items that will cause the deal to be re-negotiated or, in some extreme conditions, cancel the contract entirely.  It is important to not get too emotionally tied to the property until you confirm it is all that you thought it was when you made the offer.

Secondly, if you are financing the purchase there will be an appraisal.  An acceptable purchase price to you and the seller may not be one that can be supported by the recently completed sales of similar properties in the area.  Prior to making an offer on a property, ask your Realtor to research the recent sale prices and assess whether the one you are looking at is bigger, smaller, newer, has features the others don’t – is within the same price range.  If the property does not appraise to the value of your contract to purchase the property, there will be discussion with the lender about how to proceed.

Lastly, don’t forget the small stuff.  By this I mean, if the property is being sold furnished – be sure to get an inventory.  Then, provide yourself sufficient time prior to signing the closing paperwork, to do a walk-through and verify everything is there.  In the same vein, it there were repair items that were supposed to be completed by the seller prior to closing, be sure to get the paid receipts from licensed professionals used to make the repairs.  If they were somewhat significant repairs, a re-inspection may be warranted.

All of these scenarios can be normal in a Real Estate transaction.  The key is to know this up front and rely on the experience of your Realtor and the professionals you have hired to inspect and finance your new property.  They can get you across the finish line!