Put negotiations in writing. Don't reveal your strategy, and don't make oral
offers. You want to buy the house, but don't hand over money until you're sure
the seller is legally capable of conveying a good title and meeting other
conditions. The seller, in turn, doesn't want to deliver the deed until you've
paid for the property. Now what? Present the seller with a written contract
setting out the commitments and promises that you and the seller need to agree
on and fulfill to make the sale. A well-drawn contract should protect all
parties.
The first contract you submit should be comprehensive; everything of any
importance should be included. Once it is accepted by the seller, it may be too
late to add or change anything. Your contract should include:
Offering price
Down payment
Legal description of the property
Method of conveying the title
Fees to be paid and who will pay them
Amount of deposit
Conditions under which the seller and buyer can void the contract
The settlement date
Financing arrangements
A list of appliances, furnishings and personal property being sold with
the home