1) Use a lawyer of your own. Even if the bank has a lawyer who'll "take care of everything for you." Have someone who's working for you at least go over the paperwork and explain it to you.

2) Have that lawyer hired before you sign a purchase and sale contract. The more anxious the broker is for you to sign the contract first and talk to a lawyer later, the less you should trust him/her.

3) Have the lot surveyed, even if it isn't required by the lender in any event.

4) Have a professional home inspection done.

5) Make sure you purchase owners (as opposed to just lenders, which will probably be required in any event) title insurance, with the extended coverage for zoning, etc., violations if it's available in your jurisdiction.

Caveat: All this advice is based on practice in Vermont, US. How much of it is relevant to real estate practice in your area, I have no idea. But a lawyer in your area, who has an active residential real estate practice, would.

Caveat #2: All of the above will increase you closing costs. Omitting any of them could cost you a great deal more, later. Your judgment call.

Peter.