Should You Read Every Word

Buying a house involves a lot of paperwork. There can be several pages to the contract itself, plus the various addendum and contingencies. If you apply for a loan, there will be another stack of documents at the closing table. Although your real estate agent reviews the transaction, it is extremely important that you understand the papers you are signing.

If a dispute arises, the outcome will be governed by how the contracts actually read, not what you thought your real estate agent told you when you signed them. To avoid confusion, it is a good idea to pick up copies of the purchase agreements and closing papers ahead of time. This will allow you to read them at your leisure, without the pressure of several people waiting for you to read everything at the closing. Don’t hesitate ask questions if you don’t understand something or if the language is ambiguous or confusing.