Essential Guide to Real Estate Contracts

I am a real estate attorney and recommend this book to anyone who is new to the purchase and sale of real estate. This book is a clearly written explanation of the residential real estate purchase process from contract through closing. It will explain the terms used and the steps that must be taken, so that you will be able to understand what is happening and what has to be done. That being said, I would no more recommend that you rely on a self-help book to buy or sell your home, than I would recommend that you do your own electrical work. There is a lot at stake, and if you screw up, you will get burned. Read this book and hire competent professionals.

I understand that Attorney Mark Warda has written over 60 books on real estate and the law, and this is just one of those books. He dissects the real estate contract between the buyer and the seller going over each and every clause and explaining its meaning in layman's terms.Also included in the book are 8 different forms. If you are represented by a competent and knowledgeable real estate attorney, then this book may not be necessary. But if you are buying and selling property without an attorney then this book is a must. The more property you buy and sell the more you need this book. On the other hand if you already have many settlements under your belt this book will not have many new ideas for you.This book would most benefit the beginner or intermediate real estate investor. I also read another book by the same author on "Land Trusts" and got much more from that book.

I have been interested in investing in real estate for a long time and felt confident with all aspects of it except for the contract. I didn't feel like paying a lawyer to draw up a contract that I didn't really understand and that was 9 pages long was the right answer. After reading this book I have started investing using my own contract and containing clauses and ideas presented in this book. My contracts have been reviewed and approved by real estate attorneys who never had a clue that the contract wasn't prepared by an attorney.

This book lets you choose how you want to set up your contract.It explains the pros and cons of each clause.Most lawyers would learn a lot from it but it is simple enough for anyone to understand. I loaned one from the library but decided I need one of my own,that's how good it is.