If you are a first time home buyer, or even if you are just a home buyer looking for another home to buy, here's something you probably don't know about making an offer to buy a house. You'll be a better home buyer armed with this information before you make your next purchase.

The Statute of Frauds requires any offer to buy real estate to be a written offer. Real estate contracts are not standard contracts. Each one is an individual document and will be different from every other one. For that reason alone you should retain an attorney to review the contract before you sign on the line that is dotted.

If you have any doubt about anything in the contract, cross out the contested item. If the seller agrees with you, then the objectionable material will not longer be considered part of the contract. If the whole contract leaves you confused and uneasy, by all means walk away from the deal. There are plenty of fair sellers in the market; don't make the mistake of dealing with one who isn't.

When looking for a new home, be sure and look at as many houses as possible in your price range. By comparing features and benefits you will make yourself a much more informed buyer.