Kevin S. Sanders
817 Willow Branch Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205
(904) 38HELP-U

The first paper you will receive as a prospective buyer by the real estate broker is the "purchase and sales contract." Few people realize that this paper is the most important step in purchasing a home....the details of this agreement determine what you buy and how you buy it. Before signing, read the agreement carefully and discuss with your family lawyer such items as:

	Exactly what land, buildings and furnishings (stove, refrigerator, etc.) are included in your offer?
	What details regarding payments should be stated?
	When can you take possession?
	Is the seller to furnish you with a good, marketable title?
	Which kind of deed should the seller give?
	Who pays for the examination of the title to the property in the event the offer is accepted? Who pays for the abstract of title or title insurance?
	Have utilities been installed and paid for?
	Should a surveyor be employed to determine whether the improvements are actually located on the property? Who should pay for the cost of the survey?
	If a mortgage is given, who will pay the intangible tax on the mortgage?
	If a a loan is to be obtained from an outside lender, who will pay the loan closing costs?
	If termite damage is found, shall the seller pay the cost of repairs?
	What are the zoning regulations, or restrictions, on the use of the property?
	What is the time within which the purchase should be accepted or refused? Is the date of such acceptance to be vital to the offer?
	If your offer is accepted, what steps should be taken with respect to insuring the improvements to protect you, the prospective purchaser, pending the final closing?
	What person (husbands and wives) should be required to sign and accept the offer?
	Are boundary lines properly specified?
	Are timber, mineral and water rights, if any, properly covered?
	Who is responsible for paying of taxes?
	How should the agreement be executed to make it binding?
	What are the remedies if the buyer or seller defaults?
	Should the purchase be contingent on any outside matters such as the availability of financing on acceptable terms or the sale of the house which you presently own?
	Whose responsibility is it to pay for the broker?
	Whose responsibility is it to pay for governmental special assessments that arise prior to closing?

Your attorney may not be able to answer some of these questions, until examining many public records, including court and government files.

There are many steps between finding the home of your dreams, and the closing on the purchase of your dream. Closing a real estate sale is a technical and complex operation. As a careful buyer, you should insist that your attorney be present at the closing, checking each and every detail to avoid problems down the road.

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