An important part of being an informed buyer or seller in a real estate transaction is understanding the purchase contract. Before you sit down with an agent to make a written offer to purchase a home or receive an offer on your home, you should take a look at the real estate forms used in your area.

In some areas the real estate agents use standard contracts which have been approved by the local Board of Realtors. In other parts of the country, agreements that contain a significant number of clauses are drawn up by real estate attorneys. You should get a copy of the paperwork you will be signing so that you can read it at your leisure and absorb the information.

Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything that you don't understand; and if any of the standard clauses do not fit your particular situation, you can discuss the wording that you would like to have changed. The key is to familiarize yourself with the paperwork before you have found your new dream house or buyers for your home.

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Christina Danley
Sotheby's International Realty
200 Clocktower Suite 100D
Carmel, CA 93923
Cell: 831-601-5355
Fax: 831-855-0210
christina.danley@sothebyshomes.com

Christina Danley ranked in the top 5% for all Monterey Peninsula Sotheby's Real Estate Agents in 2009, and top 20% for 2008. Christina has been a broker associate since 1987. Christina earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, which distinguishes a higher level of education in real estate and a professional affiliation affording up-to-the-minute industry information and local market knowledge. She is the proud receiver of the John Leo Award, in recognition of top sales volume within the Monterey County Association of Realtors, for 1998. She holds a lifetime limited service credential for California Community Colleges and was honored with the Papa Vince award for excellence in hospitality.