How should I track counterproposals during purchase negotiations?

Record the whole proposal

Create a separate entry whenever price, inclusions, conditions, payment arrangements or proposed completion plans change. Identify who communicated it and whether it came directly from an authorised party or through an agent. Preserve the original message rather than relying only on your summary.

Show the current position alongside unresolved points. A seller agreeing to leave furniture may also be changing another term; recording only the attractive part can create confusion. Mark superseded drafts clearly so nobody circulates an outdated proposal as current.

Control acceptance and authority

After a telephone conversation, send a factual written recap and ask for correction where needed. Avoid describing a term as agreed unless its status is clear. Make sure co-buyers and advisers are working from the same version.

Have your lawyer review the intended response before you accept, sign or pay anything. Ask how negotiations should be documented and what communications could have legal effect in your circumstances. The log supports that review but cannot decide whether an agreement is binding.