Evaluating an offer is an essential part in selling your Jacksonville home. Every offer must be written. An oral offer cannot be enforced. A written offer consists of the terms, conditions, and price clearly. Once an offer has been submitted, you must decide with your agent whether it should be accepted. Ask yourself is the offer is above or close to the asking price? Also compare it to other offers that have been submitted. If this is the only offer pending, how long can you afford to wait for another offer to be submitted.  You don’t have to choose the offer with the highest price. Consider  the terms and conditions. Countering an offer is also a way to change the offer given. Once an offer is accepted, you must set a time to close. Closing typically occurs 30 to 45 days after the agreement is reached. By allowing this amount of time, inspections and appraisals can take place and any needed repairs can be taken care of. If you wait too long to close, it may be difficult to secure a mortgage rate. This means waiting longer than 60 days to close after reaching an agreement. Also, interest rates may be on the rise causing the buyer to bow out of the deal because they can’t afford the home.