Offer Letter Must Haves

Hello, I am about to write an offer letter on a foreclosing property. It is in it's early stages of the process. I will be buying directly from the homeowner. There are a couple of concerns I have...any help will be appreciated. 1. I want to get an acceptance now but close in March. What will happen in the time between with the foreclosure??? Can I contact the lender and tell them she has an accpted offer? 2. Her husband, who has since died, is still named on the mortgage but as John Doe. Is this a simple thing to remove? 3. What should I put in the offer letter to protect myself from any unforseen problems??? I know the basics...clear title, etc. Anything else???