If you’re in the market for a new home in South Carolina, you’ll want to keep these helpful tips in mind when you find the house you want and prepare to make an offer. Buying a home is both an exciting and stressful experience. The overall gist of a real estate contract is somewhat standardized. However, every transaction is unique, and you might want to incorporate specific contingencies, clauses or details into your contract that another buyer does not need.
The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. You can rely on an experienced buyer’s agent to help protect your interests and ensure you get the best return on your investment (ROI) possible. In the meantime, this post shared five components you might consider adding to your written real estate contract.
These real estate contract tips can help avoid legal problems
When it comes to any type of contract, detail is your friend. The more you put in writing, the better, especially with a real estate contract. The following list includes five specific components that can help solidify your transaction and avoid complications and delays:
- Always list fixtures and appliances that you want to convey; do not use a verbal agreement.
- Consider adding a home inspection contingency to your offer.
- Spell out who is covering which fees, such as recording fees, escrow, title and search fees, etc.
- If you want the seller’s assistance to pay closing costs, include this as a request in your written offer.
- If your ability to purchase the home hinges on the sale of an existing home, state this information in your offer.
Do not sign a real estate contract until you have thoroughly reviewed it, clearly understand the terms and implications, and are prepared to fulfill your end of the deal.
A buyer’s agent has your best interests in mind
When you hire a buyer’s agent, your initial meeting should always include a discussion regarding your needs and real estate goals. An experienced buyer can then streamline your search and ensure that your real estate contract covers all relevant issues. Without a trained eye, you might miss something. For instance, if you verbally agree that certain appliances will be left in the home but do not add them to your contract, you show up and discover that they are gone. Acting alongside an experienced buyer’s agent is the best way to expedite the closing process and ensure that you are getting the best deal for your money.