Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

GCAAR Sales Contract

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

GCAAR Sales Contract

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE AS TO ALL TERMS OF THIS CONTRACT.

This SALES CONTRACT (“Contract”) is made on between and , who, among other things, hereby confirm and acknowledge by their initials and signatures herein that by prior disclosure in this real estate transaction represents Seller, and represents Buyer OR Seller.

1. REAL PROPERTY:

Buyer will buy and Seller will sell for the sales price (“Sales Price”), Seller’s entire interest in the real property described as follows (“Property”):

Street Address

Unit # City State Zip Code

Condominium/Cooperative Project Name

Parking Space(s) # Storage Unit #

Legal Description: Lot(s) Block/Square Section

Subdivision Tax Account #

2. JURISDICTIONAL ADDENDUM:

Jurisdictional Addendum for DC MD/County:

3. PRICE AND FINANCING:

A. Down Payment

B. Financing 1. First Trust (if applicable)

2. Second Trust (if applicable)

3. Seller Held Trust

TOTAL FINANCING

SALES PRICE $

C. First Deed of Trust Buyer will Obtain OR Assume a Fixed OR an Adjustable rate

First Deed of Trust loan of the following type:

Conventional See Addendum Attached This contract is not contingent on Financing.

FHA See Addendum Attached Other:

VA See Addendum Attached

D. Second Deed of Trust Buyer will Obtain OR Assume a Fixed OR an Adjustable rate

E. Assumption Only: Buyer and Seller will OR will not obtain a release of Seller’s liability. Buyer and Seller will OR will not obtain substitution of Seller’s VA entitlement.

4. DEPOSIT:

Buyer’s deposit (“Deposit”) in the amount of shall be held by (“Escrow Agent”). Buyer has delivered the Deposit OR Buyer will deliver the Deposit within days after Date of Ratification.

5. FUNDS DUE AT SETTLEMENT:

The balance of the funds due at Settlement from Buyer and/or Seller will be paid on or before the Settlement Date.

6. SETTLEMENT:

Seller and Buyer will perform in accordance with the terms of this Contract on (“Settlement Date”). Buyer selects to conduct the Settlement.

7. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND CONDITION:

Seller will deliver the Property at Settlement in substantially the same physical condition to be determined as of Date of Offer OR Date of home inspection OR Other:

This Contract is contingent upon home inspection(s) and/or other inspections. Buyer declines the opportunity to make Contract contingent upon home inspection(s) and/or other inspections.

8. ACCESS TO PROPERTY:

Seller will provide reasonable access to the Property for Broker, Buyer, inspectors, and appraisers.

9. INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS:

The Property includes the personal property and fixtures as defined in the attached Inclusions/Exclusions Disclosure and Addendum.

10. HOME WARRANTY:

Yes OR No

Home warranty policy paid for and provided at Settlement by: Buyer OR Seller

Cost not to exceed $. Warranty provider to be

11. BUYER’S REPRESENTATIONS:

Buyer will OR will not occupy the Property as Buyer’s principal residence. The Selling Company is OR is not authorized to disclose financial information.

12. WOOD-DESTROYING INSECT INSPECTION:

Buyer may choose to obtain a wood-destroying insect inspection at Buyer’s expense except under VA financing, then at Seller’s expense.

13. LEAD-BASED PAINT REGULATIONS:

Seller’s Initials Buyer’s Initials

Completed Lead-Based Paint forms are attached. Yes No N/A

14. FINANCING APPLICATION:

Buyer will make written application no later than days after the Date of Ratification.

15. ALTERNATE FINANCING:

Buyer may substitute alternate financing and/or an alternate lender provided conditions are met.

16. DAMAGE OR LOSS:

The risk of damage or loss remains with Seller until delivery of the Deed at Settlement.

17. TITLE:

Seller will convey the Property by Special Warranty Deed or Personal Representative’s Deed.

18. POSSESSION DATE:

Seller will give possession of the Property at Settlement unless otherwise agreed in writing.

19. FEES:

Fees for the Deed, title exam, survey, recording, and other charges will be paid as provided in the Contract.

20. BROKER’S FEE:

Seller irrevocably instructs the Settlement Agent to pay Broker compensation at Settlement as set forth in the listing agreement.

21. ADJUSTMENTS:

Adjustments, including rents, taxes, water and sewer charges, and association assessments, are to be adjusted to the day of Settlement.

22. DISPUTES:

In the event of any dispute between parties involving Broker, the parties agree to indemnify and hold Broker harmless as described.

23. LEGAL EXPENSES:

A. In any action or proceeding between Buyer and Seller, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable Legal Expenses.

B. If Broker is made a party to litigation, the party who brought Broker into litigation shall indemnify the Broker.

24. PERFORMANCE:

Delivery of the required funds and executed documents to the Settlement Agent will constitute sufficient tender of performance.

25. SELLER RESPONSIBILITY:

Seller agrees to keep existing mortgages free of default through Settlement.

26. DEFAULT:

Buyer and Seller are required to perform at Settlement in accordance with the terms of this Contract.

27. DISCLOSURES TO THE PARTIES:

The parties acknowledge the disclosures contained herein and that the Brokers make no representations nor assume any responsibility with respect to the following:

A. PROPERTY CONDITION

B. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

C. FINANCING

D. BROKER

E. PROPERTY TAXES

F. PROPERTY INSURANCE

G. TITLE INSURANCE

28. ASSIGNABILITY:

This Contract may not be assigned without the written consent of Buyer and Seller.

29. FOREIGN INVESTMENT TAXES – FIRPTA:

Seller agrees to execute an affidavit if Seller is not a foreign person for U.S. income taxation purposes.

30. DEFINITIONS:

A. Appraisal means a written appraised valuation of the Property.

B. Day(s) means calendar day(s) unless otherwise specified in this Contract.

C. Business Days means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.

31. NOTICES:

Notice means a unilateral communication from one party to another. All Notices required under this Contract will be in writing.

32. MISCELLANEOUS:

This Contract may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original.

33. VOID CONTRACT:

If this Contract becomes void and of no further force and effect, both parties will execute a Release directing the Deposit be refunded in full to Buyer.

34. ENTIRE AGREEMENT:

This Contract will be binding upon the parties and contains the final and entire agreement of the parties.

Seller

Buyer

Seller

Buyer

Date of Ratification (see DEFINITIONS)

For informational purposes only:

Seller’s Address Buyer’s Address

Seller’s Email Address Buyer’s Email Address

Seller’s Telephone Number Buyer’s Telephone Number

Listing Company’s Name and Address:

Selling Company’s Name and Address:

Office # Office #

Agent Name Agent Name

Agent Cell # Agent Cell #

Agent Email Address Agent Email Address

Agent License # and Jurisdiction Agent License # and Jurisdiction

Broker License # and Jurisdiction Broker License # and Jurisdiction

Team Leader/Agent Team Leader/Agent

Enter text✕

What the GCAAR Sales Contract Is

The GCAAR Sales Contract is a standardized residential purchase agreement used by members of the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® to document offers, acceptances, and the core terms of a real property sale. It records parties, property description, purchase price, earnest money, financing and inspection contingencies, closing date, prorations, and required seller disclosures. The form is intended to produce a clear, enforceable record of obligations while allowing state-specific addenda and local MLS rules to be attached where needed for recording and title processing.

Why Use the GCAAR Sales Contract

Using the GCAAR Sales Contract standardizes transaction terms, reduces drafting errors, and clarifies contingencies and obligations for buyers, sellers, and brokers. It supports enforceability under federal and state electronic signature laws such as the ESIGN Act and UETA when executed electronically and aligns with local MLS and title company practices.

Why Use the GCAAR Sales Contract

Who Typically Completes This Form

Real estate agents, brokerage firms, buyers, and sellers use the GCAAR Sales Contract to document offers and acceptances in typical residential deals.

  • Listing agents — prepare and submit offers, add required disclosures, and track acceptance deadlines.
  • Buyer agents — negotiate terms, coordinate inspections, and confirm financing and contingency timelines.
  • Brokers and title companies — review contract for closing requirements and title exceptions.

Lenders and attorneys may review or require addenda; local practices determine acceptable modifications and approval workflows.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Listing Broker

The listing broker coordinates disclosure delivery, escrow instructions, and seller decisions; they must ensure the contract reflects accurate property details and deadlines and often manage earnest money and title issue resolution before closing.

Buyer Representative

The buyer representative verifies financing contingency timelines, coordinates inspections and repairs, confirms earnest money deposit receipt, and assists the buyer in meeting lender and contractual conditions prior to closing.

Security and Compliance Essentials

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 transit; AES-256 at rest
Access Controls: Role-based access and SSO options
Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps, IP, and action history
HIPAA BAA: Available with signed Business Associate Agreement
Document Integrity: Tamper-evident PDFs and version history
Authentication Methods: Email link, SMS code, KBA, 2FA

Common Preparation Pitfalls

  • Using an outdated form version or omitting required local addenda can create ambiguous or unenforceable contract terms and delay closing.
  • Mismatched party names, missing notarizations where required, or improper signer authority commonly trigger title company holds and funding delays.
  • Unclear financing contingencies or missed deadlines for loan approval and appraisal objections increase the risk of termination or loss of deposits.
  • Failing to list fixtures and personal property inclusions often leads to post-closing disputes and buyer claims.

Short Risk and Penalty Overview

Missed Deadlines: Contract rescission risk
Improper Signatures: Voidable acceptance
Disclosure Failures: Legal liability, damages
Title Issues: Recording delays, additional costs
Earnest Money: Deposit forfeiture risk
Transfer Tax: Recording penalties possible

Step-by-Step: Completing the Contract

Follow these steps to complete and exchange the GCAAR Sales Contract, from drafting the offer through coordinating closing with title and escrow.

  • 01
    Prepare Offer: Enter buyer, seller, property, and price details accurately.
  • 02
    Contingencies: Specify inspections, financing, and appraisal deadlines with durations.
  • 03
    Earnest Money: Indicate deposit amount, holder, and delivery instructions promptly.
  • 04
    Sign & Exchange: All parties sign; deliver executed copies to broker and title.

How Electronic Execution Works

Electronic completion and delivery streamline offer exchange; use clear routing, signer authentication, and record retention for enforceability and auditability.

  • Upload Form: Start with the current GCAAR form in PDF or DOCX.
  • Place Fields: Add signature, initial, date and numeric fields where required.
  • Send to Signers: Email or link with authentication and signing order.
  • Store Archive: Save executed PDF and audit trail securely for retention.

Key Contract Sections to Review Carefully

A complete GCAAR Sales Contract addresses parties, property, price, contingencies, closing mechanics, and required disclosures; review each area to avoid negotiation misunderstandings or title problems.

Parties

Clearly identify buyer(s) and seller(s) using full legal names and contact details; include entity designations for corporate parties to avoid ambiguity in title and funding documents.

Property

Provide the full legal property description, address, unit number if applicable, and parcel or tax ID when available; attach exhibits for multiple parcels to ensure accurate conveyancing and recording.

Price & Financing

State the purchase price numerically and in words, list earnest money, outline loan contingencies, lender deadlines, and whether seller credits or buyer concessions apply to closing costs.

Contingencies

Define inspection, appraisal, and financing contingency periods with specific durations and cure rights; specify termination procedures and obligations if contingencies are not satisfied.

Closing & Possession

Set a firm closing date, identify the closing agent or title company, specify possession timing, and state prorations for taxes, utilities, and rents to prevent post-closing disputes.

Disclosures

Attach seller property condition disclosures, lead paint and HOA documents, and any state-required notices; deliver disclosures within statutory timelines to mitigate liability.

Setting Up an Electronic Signing Workflow

Configure an electronic workflow to match agent, lender, and title company sequencing for signatures and notifications on the GCAAR Sales Contract.

Field Configuration
Routing Order Sequential signer order with broker acknowledgment
Authentication Email, SMS code, or KBA as needed
Templates Use pre-filled templates with conditional addenda
Notifications Automated reminders for pending signatures and deadlines

Platform Requirements and Integrations

Electronic execution requires signed consent, compatible file formats, and appropriate signer authentication to satisfy ESIGN and local practice.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX accepted
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365
  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, KBA, 2FA

Typical Contract Deadlines and Timing

Typical contract deadlines set expectations for inspections, financing, title review, and closing; meeting each deadline preserves rights and obligations under the agreement.

Offer Expiration:

Specify the exact date and time the offer expires to remove ambiguity.

Inspection Period:

Commonly 7–14 days after acceptance for inspections and repair negotiations.

Financing Contingency:

Set a loan approval deadline and buyer obligation to proceed or terminate.

Appraisal Deadline:

Tie the appraisal timeframe to the financing contingency to avoid timing gaps.

Closing Date:

Specify a firm closing date, location, and responsible closing agent.

Milestones from Offer to Closing

Track these core milestones to coordinate parties, manage contingencies, and ensure timely closing and recording of the transaction.

01

Offer Submitted

Buyer presents offer with earnest money and a proposed closing date.

02

Acceptance & Deposit

Seller accepts the offer and buyer delivers earnest money per contract.

03

Due Diligence

Inspections, title review, and lender underwriting occur during contingency periods.

04

Closing & Funding

Execute closing documents, record deed, and transfer funds to complete the sale.

How the GCAAR Contract Compares to Other Forms

Compare core attributes of the GCAAR Sales Contract with a typical residential purchase agreement to spot local and association-driven differences.

Criteria GCAAR Sales Contract Standard Residential Purchase Agreement
Notarization varies by state varies by state
Local Addenda commonly required varies by broker or attorney
MLS Integration often integrated sometimes integrated
Contingency Detail detailed standard clauses variable clause detail

Electronic Signing Vendor Comparison

Comparison of common eSignature vendors and features for executing the GCAAR Sales Contract. Pricing reflects vendor-published starting plans and feature notes.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/month billed annually; month-to-month higher $15/user/month billed annually; monthly plans cost more $14/user/month billed annually; monthly plans cost more $19/user/month billed annually; monthly plans cost more $15/user/month billed annually; monthly plans cost more
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card required Varies by vendor and plan; check vendor Varies by vendor and plan; check vendor Varies by vendor and plan; check vendor Varies by vendor and plan; check vendor
Bulk Send Yes — available on Business Premium and higher tiers Yes — available on many plans Yes — available on enterprise plans Yes — available on paid plans No — not available on core plan
Audit Trail Yes — full audit trail with timestamps and IP Yes — full audit trail included Yes — full audit trail included Yes — audit trail available Yes — audit trail available
HIPAA Compliant Yes — BAA available on request Yes — BAA available Yes — BAA available No — BAA not offered No — BAA not offered
Envelope Cap No envelope cap; unlimited envelopes permitted Limited to 100 envelopes per user per year Varies by plan and vendor limits Varies by plan and vendor limits Varies by plan and vendor limits

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common legal, procedural, and technical questions about completing, signing, and storing the GCAAR Sales Contract.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users