The Complete Book of Real Estate Contracts, with CD »

Mark Warda received his BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois in Chicago and his JD from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He has studied at the University of Oxford, England and in Barcelona and Cologne.

He has been a lawyer for over 25 years and has written or coauthored more than seventy self-help legal guides. He has recently returned to actively practicing law full time in addition to continuing to write from his Florida home.

Buying or selling property is a big decision. You want to make sure the contract you sign is the one that best fits your needs. But most of us are not even sure what we need or what is required by law. The Complete Book of Real Estate Contracts is here to help you put together the perfect deal.

How to Use the CD-ROM
Using Self-Help Law Books
Introduction
Chapter 1: Preparing Your Own Contract
Using a Broker
Printing Your Contract
Chapter 2: Using an Attorney
Cost/Value Analysis
Finding the Right Attorney
Attorney Mistakes
Using This Book and an Attorney
Deal-Killers
Regular Investors
Chapter 3: The Buyer’s Position
Finding Good Deals
How Much to Pay
Contingencies
Buyer’s Broker
Seller’s Disclosures
Chapter 4: The Seller’s Position
Tying Up Your Property
Contingent Liability
Disclosures
Selling As Is
Buyers Moving in Early
Refund of Deposit
Chapter 5: Federal and Local Laws
Federal Laws
State and Local Laws
Chapter 6: Unfair Contracts
Chapter 7: Basic Clauses
Parties and Agreement
Purchase Price
Conveyance
Property Description
Other Agreements
FHA/VA
Insulation Clause
Lead-Based Paint Clause
Chapter 8: Recommended Clauses
Acceptance
Agreement for Deed/Contract for Deed
Allocation of Purchase Price
Approval
Arbitration
Assignment
Attorney’s Fees
Broker’s Fee
Closing Date and Place
Condominium-Common Elements and Assessments
Condominium Documentation
Default
Engineering Reports
Environmental Conditions
Existing Mortgages (Deeds of Trust)
Expenses
Financing Contingency
FIRPTA
Ingress and Egress
Inspection
Leases
Licensed Real Estate Professional or Investor
Lien Affidavit
Maintenance
Mold
Personal Property
Plumbing and Electrical
Possession
Prorations
Purchase Money Mortgage
Radon
Recording
Restrictions and Easements
Risk of Loss
Roof
Severability
Special Assessments
Survey
Survival of Contract
Termites
Title Defects
Title Evidence
Violations
Water Access
Wraparound and Second Mortgages
Zoning and Ordinances
Chapter 9: Creative Clauses
Credits
Deposit
Distribution of Proceeds
Down Payment
Examination of Books
FHA/VA Fees
Mortgage (Deed of Trust) Clauses
Perc Test
Presentation of Contract
Rezoning
Sale of Other Property
Tax-Free Exchanges
Unpaid Rent
Chapter 10: The Art of Negotiating
Know Your Range
Focus on Need Over Position
Understand the Other Side
Act Like You Could Walk Away
Do Not Make It Personal
State Your Supportable Position
Turn the Tables
The Last Shot
Chapter 11: Signing the Contract Witnesses
Notary
Chapter 12: Backing Out of the Deal
Contingencies
Sellers
Default
Attorney’s Fees
Chapter 13: Rescuing the Deal
Financing
Property Defects
Encroachments
Termites
Judgments
Boundary Disputes
Chapter 14: The Closing
Using an Attorney
Examine All Closing Documents
Buyer’s Concerns
Seller’s Concerns
Chapter 15: After the Closing
Seller Financing
Defects in the Property
Zoning and Building Codes
Title Problems
Bills
Glossary
Appendix A: State Radon and Indoor Air Quality Contacts
Appendix B: Lead-Based Paint Pamphlet
Appendix C: Forms
Index
About the Author