What Should I Keep In Mind When Making An Offer To Purchase A Home?

Be sure that all representations made by the seller or his agent are included in the offer to purchase. All verbal commitments pertaining to the transaction should be included in the written agreement. If you have any doubt about the heating system, roof, and so forth, the seller's representations of these facilities should be written into the agreement.
Also, if the offer includes any articles in addition to the house itself, such as rugs, refrigerator, stove, washer, lawn mower, all these items should be clearly stated. It is generally best to have even obvious articles, such as heating system, light fixtures, television antenna, included in the agreement. Such a carefully written agreement can help you to avoid arguments or even lawsuits.
Before the offer is signed, check carefully that you are not facing any unforeseen costs. For example, check if there is a land-transfer tax in your area which must be paid to register your deed. Also, make sure you allowed for the normal "adjustments on closing," which may include a three-year fire insurance premium, land taxes for part of the current year, or extra charges for fuel or prepaid utilities.