Step 1 — Review the Purchase Contract & Addendums

Read the executed contract and every addendum completely, and capture every date, figure, and party.

Step 1 of 7

Read the executed contract and every addendum completely, and capture every date, figure, and party.

What to do

Confirm the effective date and the closing date.
Read every addendum and rider — they often change the price, dates, or who pays.
Note the earnest-money amount and the deposit deadline.
Verify the sales price and any seller concessions or commission splits.
Confirm the exact legal names of every buyer and seller.
Flag contingencies and their deadlines (inspection, financing, appraisal).
Note who pays the title policy, documentary stamps, and survey.

Pro tip: In Florida, the FAR/BAR and "AS IS" contracts spell out who pays what in their standard paragraphs — read them, don't assume.

Learn it hands-on

These guides scratch the surface. Title Agent Academy walks you through real files, step by step, until it's second nature.