Why Getting EVERYTHING in Writing is Crucial When Making an Offer on a Home

Congratulations—you’ve found the perfect home! It has the right size, the right layout, and it’s in a great neighborhood at a fair price. Now it’s time to make an offer. But before you get too excited and jump into negotiations, there’s one important rule every first-time homebuyer needs to know: If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t count.

The Importance of Having Everything in Writing

Real estate transactions can be complicated, and while verbal agreements may seem convincing, they don’t hold any weight if they’re not documented. In the world of real estate, the phrase “If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t count” is a rule that cannot be overlooked. This is why purchase agreements can be lengthy—agents and brokers want to make sure that every detail is covered, and every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed.

If any part of your agreement, no matter how small, is left open to interpretation, it could come back to haunt you later.

Don’t Let Blank Spaces in Your Agreement Cost You

A common mistake that buyers make is leaving sections of the purchase agreement blank. Whether it’s missing information about repairs, included appliances, or fixtures, leaving things unchecked can lead to serious issues down the line. As a buyer, you want to make sure that all terms of your agreement are clear and documented, from the price of the property to the terms of your closing. Any blanks in the paperwork can give rise to confusion and even legal trouble.

I’ve seen firsthand how leaving things unclear on the contract can cost buyers money or even lead to lost deals. Always review your purchase agreement carefully, and make sure that every section is filled out correctly. Your future self will thank you!

Verbal Agreements Aren’t Enough

Sometimes, as you walk through a home, you may strike up a conversation with the seller or their agent. Maybe they say something like, “I’ll leave the jacuzzi for you—it’s yours.” Sounds great, right? But unless that promise is written into the contract, it doesn’t exist in the eyes of the law.

Imagine moving in, excited about the jacuzzi you were promised, only to find it’s gone. Now, you’re frustrated and asking everyone where it went. Unfortunately, if it’s not in writing, you have no legal claim to that jacuzzi, no matter how many times the seller said they’d leave it for you.

Protect Yourself: Get Everything in Writing

To avoid these headaches, make sure every promise or agreement, no matter how small, is documented in writing. If the seller agrees to leave any appliances, furniture, or even fix certain items before closing, make sure it’s all written into the agreement. This ensures that both you and the seller are on the same page and can help prevent disputes later on.

Final Thoughts

As a first-time homebuyer, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the home-buying process, but remember, the details matter. Always make sure that everything—big or small—is written into your purchase agreement. By doing so, you’ll protect yourself from potential issues and ensure that your dream home is everything you expect it to be.