Negotiating Terms of a Real Estate Purchase Agreement

A buyer's legal representative is in negotiations with the seller's lawyer to finalize the terms and conditions of a real estate purchase agreement, including contingencies, closing dates, and escrow details.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

John (Male)

Good morning, Lisa. Thanks for fitting me in. Regarding the purchase agreement for the Johnson property, my client, Mr. Davies, is generally happy with the core terms, but we need to discuss a few specifics.

Lisa (Female)

Good morning, John. Of course, always a pleasure. What are your main points of concern? I'm ready to go over the draft with you.

John (Male)

Firstly, the inspection contingency. We'd prefer to extend the period from 10 to 14 days. This would give Mr. Davies sufficient time to get a thorough structural and environmental assessment.

Lisa (Female)

Fourteen days might be a sticking point for my client, as they're keen to close quickly. What about 12 days? It's a slight compromise from both ends.

John (Male)

Let's make it 12, then. We can work with that, provided the seller agrees to address any major findings promptly. Secondly, the closing date. You've set it for July 15th, but Mr. Davies' financing won't be fully disbursed until the 20th. Could we push it back to, say, July 22nd?

Lisa (Female)

The 22nd is a Monday, which works well for my client's movers. We can certainly adjust the closing date to July 22nd. No issue there. What else are we looking at?

John (Male)

Lastly, the escrow. Our preference is to use Pacific Title & Escrow. They have a long-standing relationship with Mr. Davies. The draft agreement suggests First National Escrow.

Lisa (Female)

Pacific Title & Escrow is a reputable firm. I don't foresee any objections to that, provided their fees are comparable. I'll confirm with my client on that point. Is there anything else you'd like to adjust?

John (Male)

No, Lisa, that covers our main points. With these adjustments, I believe we'll have a deal that both parties can be satisfied with. I'll send you the revised draft, and we can proceed to signatures once your client approves.

Lisa (Female)

Excellent, John. I appreciate your constructive approach. I'll review it promptly once it comes through. Thanks for your time.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

contingency

A condition in a contract that must be met for the agreement to proceed, like an inspection in real estate deals. Use it when discussing potential risks or requirements in negotiations.

inspection

The process of examining a property to check for problems before buying. In legal contexts, it's often part of a contingency clause to protect the buyer.

sticking point

A major issue or disagreement that is hard to resolve in talks. Use this phrase in negotiations to highlight problematic areas politely.

compromise

An agreement where both sides give up something to reach a middle ground. It's key in business discussions to show flexibility.

closing date

The final date when ownership of property transfers and payment is made. Common in real estate contracts to set timelines.

financing

The arrangement of money, like a loan, to buy something. In property deals, it refers to how the buyer gets funds approved.

escrow

A neutral third party that holds money or documents until a deal is complete. Used in real estate to ensure safe transactions.

reputable

Having a good reputation, trustworthy. Describe companies or people in professional settings to show approval.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

We're generally happy with the core terms, but we need to discuss a few specifics.

This polite opening softens negotiation by acknowledging positives first. Use it to start discussions without seeming confrontational. Grammar: 'Generally happy' uses an adverb for a moderate opinion; 'but' contrasts ideas.

What are your main points of concern?

A professional way to ask about issues. Useful in meetings to invite input. It shows openness. Grammar: Question structure with 'what' for specifics, 'points of concern' is a formal phrase for worries.

This would give Mr. Davies sufficient time to get a thorough structural and environmental assessment.

Explains benefits of a change clearly. Use in negotiations to justify requests. 'Sufficient time' means enough; 'thorough assessment' emphasizes completeness.

Fourteen days might be a sticking point for my client, as they're keen to close quickly.

Expresses potential disagreement while explaining reasons. Helpful for counteroffers. 'Might be' softens certainty; 'as' introduces cause.

What about 12 days? It's a slight compromise from both ends.

Proposes an alternative solution. Use to suggest middle grounds in talks. 'What about' invites agreement; 'slight compromise' shows fairness.

We can work with that, provided the seller agrees to address any major findings promptly.

Accepts a term with a condition. Common in contracts. 'Provided that' means 'if'; 'promptly' means quickly.

With these adjustments, I believe we'll have a deal that both parties can be satisfied with.

Wraps up positively, summarizing agreement. Use at meeting ends. 'I believe' adds confidence; 'both parties' includes everyone.

I appreciate your constructive approach.

Thanks someone for helpful behavior. Polite in professional closings. 'Constructive' means positive and solution-focused.