Rule #1: Don't do anything here you wouldn't do in your home country!
Don't get impressed by time pressure, RE-agents do it, sellers and their lawyers love to do it... They have the experience and can handle a blitz-deal and may bank on the fact that you might not and thus make mistakes or be less careful.
If you feel uncomfortable or unsure, don't do it and seek advice until your questions are cleared fully in a documented way... not just that somebody tells you that it's "OK" and just the way things are done here while handing a pencil over to you.
Someone here once said something to the take that power of attorneys are a devil's invention. Be very, very aware whom you give power of attorney to and have it set as limited as possible.
And throughout any deal, always keep in mind that YOU have the money and "they" are only the ones who want it... let'em work to your terms to get it.
You will always find an other property, but once the money is gone, it may not be so easy to find it again (the money, that is).
This is not legal advice... just based on my experiences... J-D.