Real estate agents often suggest that property owners get their home organized before placing it on the market for sale. By cleaning up the "clutter" buyers are able to get a clear idea what they are buying. It makes their decision to choose a home much easier.

Home buyers can do the same thing when making a purchase offer. Imagine how sellers would feel if a buyer offered 7% less than the asking price, with the sellers to pay all closing costs. Furthermore, the sellers are expected to leave the gas grill, microwave, and the expensive oriental rug in the dining room.

The buyer expects to be allowed to move in 30 days before closing, and to pay no rent during that time. The sellers are also expected to carry a substantial second mortgage on very liberal terms.

Sound like an unreasonable and confusing purchase offer? Clearly it is. Not only may it be unacceptable, it may also be upsetting to the sellers resulting in a curt "NO!" rather than a reasonable counter-offer.

The message here? When making a written offer - clean up the clutter! Make it easy for the sellers to understand and accept. Keep special conditions to an absolute minimum and avoid inserting emotionally charged demands. The result can be a quick and favorable "YES!" answer, and a mutually rewarding transaction.