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April 11, 2012

Buying or Selling a Home

The Purchase Contract

With thousands—and maybe hundreds of thousands—of dollars on the line, it pays to know exactly what you’re agreeing to.

Click on the links below for more information on this particular subject area. Main subject areas for the "Buying or Selling a Home" section are linked at the bottom of these pages.

What is an offer to purchase?

What might I include in my offer to purchase a home?

What is earnest money?

How is the offer negotiated?

How does an offer relate to the purchase contract?

Can oral promises constitute a contract?

When should we involve a lawyer?

What are the key provisions of the purchase contract?

What is an inspection rider?

What is an attorney-approval rider?

What is a mortgage-contingency rider?

May the seller refuse a mortgage-contingency rider or an inspection-contingency rider?

What happens to my earnest money deposit if we do not complete the sale?

Can a buyer sue a seller for backing out of the contract?

Are there any special considerations when you are buying a home from a builder?


Practical Law Home | Buying or Selling a Home | Basics of Buying a Home
Basics of Selling a Home | Why Real Estate Is Covered By Special Laws | Real Estate Brokers
The Purchase Contract | Financing a Home Purchase | The Closing | The Fair Housing Act
Where to Get More Information