A purchase contract spells out price, deadlines, contingencies, included items, financing terms, and what happens if either side defaults. Read it section by section, paying special attention to dates, repair obligations, contingency periods, and any addenda that modify standard terms. Your agent and, when needed, a real estate attorney can

Zillow Offers was an iBuyer program where Zillow made cash offers, handled repairs, and then resold the home, but the company has since exited that line of business and no longer buys homes directly. Today, Zillow mainly connects sellers with agents and marketing tools rather than acting as a direct

Title insurance protects buyers and lenders against financial loss from covered title defects that weren’t found during the title search. In many areas sellers provide (or pay for) an owner’s title policy as part of the deal, which gives buyers peace of mind and helps the transaction close smoothly.

A title search reviews public records to confirm who owns the property and to uncover liens, unpaid taxes, easements, or other claims against the title. A clear title search is essential for closing because most buyers and lenders require “marketable title” before they’ll fund the transaction.

If you back out without legal grounds, the buyer may sue for specific performance (forcing the sale) or for damages like inspection costs, appraisal fees, and lost opportunities. You could also be responsible for your listing broker’s commission under the listing agreement, even if the deal doesn’t close.

Backing out after signing is only possible in limited situations, such as when a buyer misses deadlines, fails to meet contingencies, or you have a specific cancellation right in the contract. Walking away without a valid contractual reason can expose you to legal claims, specific performance demands, and liability for