Obtain a copy of the prior deed to the property 7. If you are interested in the property at a price which you believe the Seller may accept, make an offer. Typically this may be done in the form of a proposed contract but the contract may follow after the general terms have been negotiated. Real Estate Brokers can draft a real estate contract as part of their sales services. Members of the local and Virginia Association of Realtors typically use general purpose forms provided by their association.
Lawyers are the professionals who are licensed, trained and in the business of drafting contracts.
Consult with a lawyer if you have any doubt about the meaning of any term in a contract. The contract is an important document and defines the terms of the transaction. Unless you are in the business, professional advice is strongly recommended. I strongly recommend the principled negotiating strategy developed by the Harvard Negotiation Project and described in Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury published in paperback by Penguin Books. Be clear with your objectives.