Don’t Be Surprised! Read the Contract!
We are all guilty of lazily clicking through Docusign contracts online and signing and initialing as fast as we can. (I’ve done it!) Does anyone actually read what they are signing? You can, of course. There are even ways to (gosh!) print out documents to read at your leisure or with a magnifying glass when you need to. Then you can ask intelligent questions and give yourself a higher understanding of what you are signing, and how the real estate contract will impact your next steps. This advice goes for reading your agent’s emails, too. And correspondence from title agents, for example, with your estimated closing costs.
How many times have I been told “I didn’t know that”? or “I didn’t know I had to pay XYZ!” Well, if you had read the contract and read your emails, and even taken notes on phone conversations pertaining to your sale, you would have a better understanding and be prepared for what’s coming up in your real estate transaction. This way you won’t be caught with unplanned expenses, or possibly repairs on your property. You’ll know what appliances are staying, or not. You’ll know critical dates in your real estate transaction.
I take that back about asking “intelligent” questions. Anything you don’t understand is worth questioning. If your agent cannot answer, they will refer you to an attorney, accountant or other professional when appropriate.
Just read what you are signing, and don’t be shy to ask questions!
It’s Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker
Rulnick Realty, Inc.
