Below are factors to consider when buying or selling real estate in Washington State.
Contract Interpretation For Washington Real Estate Contracts
Washington State follows the “objective” theory of contract interpretation. Courts look to the language of the contract, including real estate contracts, to determine the parties’ intent. Washington courts may consider evidence outside the real estate contract to determine the meaning of the contract language, but will not use outside evidence to infer a meaning independent of the contract language.
Put Everything In Writing In A Real Estate Contract
In order to avoid having to explain to a court what you thought a provision in your real estate contract meant after the fact, you need to have contract language crafted to precisely reflect your understanding of the terms of the deal. When a buyer or seller doesn’t want to memorialize something in writing, this must be viewed as a red flag. Better to write down too much than too little. Also, contrary to common perception, writing down contract provisions is even more important among family members. Contracts, including real estate contracts, are what help maintain good relationships, not the opposite.
Buyer Beware in Washington State
Although Washington State requires sellers of real estate to make substantial disclosures, it is critical that a buyer investigate all potential circumstances of a property. A good strategy is to assume nothing and check everything. If a buyer has notice of a problem and fails to investigate, the seller will most likely win if the issue goes to court. Failure to investigate a condition or circumstance of a piece of property when given notice does not constitute an excuse later on for remedy. There is no remedy for a circumstance that wasn’t expected, if notice was given, however subtle.
Real Estate Attorneys In Washington State
If you need help with a real estate contract – reviewing a contract or drafting a contract – our legal services were designed just for you! At Timely Contract, we provide fast and expert legal assistance, delivered within the contract timeframes.
At Timely Contract, our primary legal services include: real estate contract review, real estate contract drafting, legal opinions for title insurance exceptions, and research, due diligence, and legal opinions for
At Timely Contract we have local real estate attorneys who have experience throughout Washington, including: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, and Cheney.
This posting is not legal advice. Legal advice is based on specific facts. This information is necessarily general in nature.