Purchase Agreement
Defines buyer/seller, purchase price, conditions, deposit/escrow terms, financing contingencies, inspection and cure periods, and closing date; forms the contract foundation for the conveyance.
A complete, accurate sale package reduces title defects, shortens closing timelines, and clarifies post-closing obligations. Proper documentation supports recording, tax reporting, and dispute avoidance while preserving marketable title for buyers and minimizing liability for sellers.
The private sale is used by individuals, businesses, and intermediaries involved in real estate conveyances.
Roles vary by transaction complexity; high-value or contested sales usually involve title counsel and escrow or trustee services to manage risk.
The seller must have authority to convey title, provide accurate legal name and entity documentation, and disclose material conditions. Sellers should confirm mortgage payoffs, include any lien releases, and sign deed instruments in exactly the name that appears on title to prevent recording rejections.
The title agent or closing attorney prepares closing paperwork, verifies identity for notarization, orders title insurance if requested, records the deed with the county recorder, and retains post-closing documents per retention rules to support future title inquiries.
Defines buyer/seller, purchase price, conditions, deposit/escrow terms, financing contingencies, inspection and cure periods, and closing date; forms the contract foundation for the conveyance.
Records the actual transfer of title; must contain precise legal property description, correct grantor/grantee names, and the required notary acknowledgement to be accepted for recording by the county.
Itemizes credits and debits for buyer and seller, including prorations, payoffs, closing costs and disbursements, and supports escrow disbursement at closing.
Includes title commitment or policy details, any exception schedules, lien payoff statements, and evidence that liens or encumbrances will be cleared or addressed at closing.
Documentation for transfer taxes, property tax proration, and any required IRS reporting (e.g., reporting gross proceeds when applicable) to satisfy federal and state obligations.
Final deed, any mortgage releases or subordinate documents, and required cover sheets prepared per county recorder rules to facilitate timely recording.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Fields | One signature per grantor and witness field where required |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code; KBA for elevated identity proofing |
| Document Format | PDF/A preferred for long-term archival and recorder acceptance |
| Retention Settings | Retain signed package and audit trail per regulatory retention rules |
Choose a platform that supports secure signing, required authentication, and common integrations for record delivery.
Ensure the chosen solution captures a tamper-evident audit trail and can export the signed package in recording-ready formats for county submission.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
As agreed in the purchase contract; establishes transfer of possession and closing obligations
Record with county recorder as soon as practicable to protect buyer's title and priority
W-9 should be supplied when requested by the settlement agent or payer (no set federal deadline)
Individual return due April 15 (Form 1040), affecting reporting of gains or proceeds
File any required information returns per IRS instructions; deadlines vary by form and method