When purchasing your first home, dream home or rental property, you'll have to sign a lot of paperwork. Understanding what you're signing is essential. A purchase and sale agreement is a crucial ...

A purchase agreement is a legally binding contract that spells out the details of a real estate transaction. Homebuyers and sellers typically sign a purchase agreement shortly after negotiating the ...

Even with a signed purchase agreement, buyers must navigate a series of steps — and potential pitfalls — before the keys are finally in hand.Photo courtesy Getty Images. The Silicon Valley Association ...

First, the buyer needs to gather as much information about the property as possible, early in the purchase process. The purchase agreement should contain a provision whereby the seller is required, ...