Parties
Identify buyer(s) and seller(s) by full legal name and capacity (individual, executor, trustee, guardian) and include signer authority when representing an estate or fiduciary.
A clear contract reduces closing delays, limits post-closing disputes, and documents contingencies such as inspections, financing, and probate approvals. Proper form and signatures preserve enforceability under U.S. electronic signature law (15 U.S.C. §7001) and applicable state rules.
Roles may overlap: real estate professionals handle marketing and negotiation while counsel addresses title, probate and statutory compliance.
Identify buyer(s) and seller(s) by full legal name and capacity (individual, executor, trustee, guardian) and include signer authority when representing an estate or fiduciary.
Use the full legal description from the deed or county record, including parcel ID and address; avoid colloquial descriptions that can cause title or recording problems.
State the exact dollar amount, deposit schedule, escrow holder, and acceptable payment instruments; identify any allocation of closing costs between parties.
List conditions precedent such as financing, inspection results, probate court approval, clear title, and appraisal requirements with explicit cure periods and termination rights.
Specify closing date, deed to be delivered, prorations, possession timing, escrow instructions, and responsibilities for property condition at closing.
Provide signature blocks for all parties, include capacity lines (e.g., Executor), and note applicable notarization, witness, or remote notarization requirements.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication Method | Email link, SMS code, or KBA |
| Signature Fields | Required signature and date fields placed |
| Conditional Fields | Show contingency text when checkbox selected |
| Routing Order | Sequential signers or parallel signing |
Match the channel to signer familiarity and legal requirements such as consumer disclosures or enhanced ID verification.
Date parties sign and obligations begin
Time allotted for inspections or financing
Date deed transfers and funds remit
Record deed promptly after closing
If required, allow court confirmation time
Assemble deed, affidavits, and probate letters before meeting a notary.
Signer must present government ID acceptable to the notary.
Notary or counsel confirms executor or trustee authority.
Some affidavits require sworn testimony before the notary.
When using remote notarization retain session per state rules.
Obtain required witness signatures where state law mandates them.
Notary adds acknowledgment and official stamp or seal.
Deliver notarized documents to escrow or county recorder.
Tim Martin processed estate sales using online execution to meet tight timelines.
Brian Fitzgibbons used standardized templates for estate-owned parcels.
| Document Type | Primary Purpose | Typical Notarization |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Agreement | contract to buy property | often yes |
| Deed | transfers legal title | |
| Lease | grants possession rights | no often |
| Affidavit of Heir | evidence for probate distribution | often yes |
| 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 (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | No | No |