Before you sign anything in real estate

Before You Sign Anything, Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

July 08, 20252 min read

Before You Sign Anything, Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

Whether you're buying or selling, make sure you ask yourself these three questions before signing any real estate paperwork! They’re key to avoiding regret and will help you move forward with confidence.


Question 1. Does this decision align with my long-term goals? It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful home or feel tempted to accept the first decent offer, especially in a fast-moving market. But you never want to get swept up in the emotions and make a bad decision. Make sure that this choice aligns with your long-term goals by asking yourself:

  • Is this a step toward the life I want 3, 5, or 10 years from now?

  • Will this give me more freedom, stability, or financial security?

Pausing to reflect is important to ensure you make a decision based on vision, not just emotion.


Question 2. Do I fully understand the terms, timeline, and financial impact of this choice? There are a lot of moving parts in a real estate transaction: loan terms, inspection periods, earnest money, closing costs, contingencies, and more! Before you sign, make sure you understand everything that’s expected of you and the other party. You should feel 100% clear on:

  • How much you’re paying or walking away with

  • What needs to happen when and the key deadlines

  • What happens if something doesn’t go as planned


If you feel even a little unsure, ask for clarification. That’s what your agent is there for!


Question 3. Am I making this decision out of pressure or clarity? It’s totally normal to feel nervous. But if you’re making a choice because someone is rushing you, because “the market is crazy,” or because you’re afraid you’ll miss out on this “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”… take a breath and pause.

Rushed decisions often lead to regret, while a confident, calm decision will give you peace of mind. 


When it comes to real estate, you want to feel empowered and in control. A great way to do that is to use these three questions to guide your decisions! 


Need help getting clarity on your next step in real estate? Reply to this email and I’ll walk you through it!

Summer Noel Carter is a distinguished Realtor® and the driving force behind ATX Homes Sold Group, affiliated with eXp Realty in Austin, Texas. With over eight years of experience, Summer is an eXp ICON Agent and a Top 500 Real Producer in the Austin market.

Summer Carter

Summer Noel Carter is a distinguished Realtor® and the driving force behind ATX Homes Sold Group, affiliated with eXp Realty in Austin, Texas. With over eight years of experience, Summer is an eXp ICON Agent and a Top 500 Real Producer in the Austin market.

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