You Might Be Thinking…

“If my contract says what I’m buying and for how much, isn’t that enough?”
Often, it’s not. Without clear wording and complete essentials, the contract is full of holes – and the other party can easily take advantage of them.

Clients Often Ask Me…

• What are the most common mistakes that make contracts invalid?

• What should I always check before signing?

• How to avoid problems with the Land Register?

• Can mistakes be fixed later?

• What mistakes do people make with free templates?

Common Mistakes in a Nutshell

Based on practice, the most frequent mistakes include:

• Incomplete identification of parties – wrong ID number, missing date of birth, incorrect address.

• Unclear subject of purchase – missing VIN for cars, incorrect parcel number for real estate.

• Missing or vague price – “price by agreement” without clarity is invalid.

• No provisions on defects – unclear warranty or liability terms.

• Unsigned or unverified signatures – leads to rejection by the Land Register in real estate.

• Outdated templates – often don’t comply with current law.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check the parties – correct names, addresses, ID numbers.

2. Describe the subject precisely – VIN, parcel number, unit, quantity.

3. Confirm the price – state the exact amount or method of calculation.

4. Include provisions on defects and warranties.

5. Ensure the proper form – always written with verified signatures for real estate.

6. Never sign without legal review.

Examples from Practice

• Incorrect parcel number – Land Register rejected the filing, the deal had to be repeated.

• “Price by agreement” – the court declared the contract invalid.

• Outdated online template – contract didn’t cover defects, buyer had no claim rights.

Why Be Careful with DIY Templates

Hundreds of “purchase agreement template free” versions circulate online. Most are outdated and miss crucial provisions. Such contracts are more of a trap than a help – they look like protection, but don’t actually protect you.

Lawyer’s Recommendation

• Never sign a contract without professional review.

• Carefully verify all details – especially with real estate.

• Don’t rely on old templates, every deal needs an individual approach.

Checklist Against Mistakes

✔ correct identification of parties
✔ precise description of the subject
✔ clear price
✔ provisions on defects and warranties
✔ proper form and signatures

FAQ

What is the most common mistake?
Incorrect or incomplete description of real estate in the purchase agreement.

Can mistakes be fixed later?
Yes, but often only with an amendment or by drafting a new contract.

Are online templates safe?
Usually not – they tend to be outdated and don’t reflect your specific risks.