Metro® Boston, Publication Date: May 11, 2011
By Attorney George Warshaw
You’ve searched MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for a condo or house for sale in Massachusetts, acquired a real estate agent along the way, and now you’re ready to make an offer to purchase your new home.
Here’s a few things, often overlooked, that you may want to include or change in your offer:
- Make your purchase conditional on an appraisal that is no less than the purchase price
- Don’t choose Friday or the last day of the month as your closing date. These are the busiest real estate days and your deed might not get recorded that day (i.e. you could be prevented from moving into your new home when you expect)
- Make your offer conditional on all systems and appliances being in good working order on the day of closing
- Be wary of the preprinted “inspection contingency.” These often limit your right to cancel solely to “serious structural or mechanical defects” that may exist in the house or condominium. Change it to an “inspection that is satisfactory to you.”
- If you’ve also listed your home for sale, don’t try to buy the same day as you sell.
More on this to come. © 2011 George Warshaw.
The foregoing is not intended as legal advice. Consult an attorney to see how or if the information may apply to you.
George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at george.warshaw@warshawlaw.com
If you missed my column in the Wednesday Boston®Metro newspaper you can read it here! And contact me if you need help in buying or selling your home or in planning your will. - George
George in the Metro 
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