"Measure Twice, Cut Once"

When I took a wood shop course, my instructor emphasized "measure twice, cut once". It is also applicable in real estate practice except that it is best to check more than twice. Make sure you know what you are asking for and their consequences before signing away. If you don't understand, ask your real estate professional.

A good example is the inspection negotiation process. When negotiating wants and needs, it is always best to prioritize, have a couple of back up plans, choices, or options for when you don’t get what you initially asked for. But always check your contract over and over to make sure you are getting what you need, what you want, correct wordings, appropriate time line and deadlines, know your consequences especially when you choose to delegate your choice(s) to another, and know your options. You don’t need to be a lawyer to get it right, just think ahead like you would when playing a game and use plain English. Double check and recheck before signing off.