When a potential buyer puts an offer in writing and you accept it, the signed acceptance becomes the sales contract. The real estate agent can assist you with the following elements of a sales contract:

• The sale price
• What is included in the sale price -- draperies, appliances, heating oil, etc.
• The amount of the earnest money deposit
• The date of settlement and possession date
• Contingencies to the sale--inspections (e.g., structural, lead-based paint, radon, termite), sale of buyers’ present home
• Lender required repairs
• The amount of the mortgage loan, interest rate and time limits to secure the loan
• Determining which closing costs are to be paid by the buyer and which by the seller