Purchase Agreement
The primary contract states buyer and seller names, purchase price, deposit, contingencies, closing date, and remedies. It sets the contractual obligations that survive to closing and may include escrow instructions.
A complete, well-organized package reduces last-minute delays at closing, ensures required disclosures are delivered, and helps clear title and recording steps more quickly. Proper documentation also minimizes the risk of post-closing disputes over omitted facts or errors.
Real estate agents, title companies, sellers, buyers, and closing attorneys commonly assemble or review the package before escrow and closing.
Each participant has specific responsibilities; coordinating timelines and signatory authority early reduces errors and delays at recording.
The primary contract states buyer and seller names, purchase price, deposit, contingencies, closing date, and remedies. It sets the contractual obligations that survive to closing and may include escrow instructions.
Seller property condition disclosure enumerates known issues such as structural defects, water intrusion, or environmental hazards; accurate disclosures reduce post-closing litigation risk.
Required for homes built before 1978; it documents lead-based paint disclosure and federal pamphlet delivery where applicable under 42 U.S.C. §4852d.
A deed form (typically warranty or quitclaim) prepared with the correct legal description, vesting language, and signature/notary blocks ready for recording at the county recorder's office.
Itemized settlement statement showing prorations, payoffs, title charges, taxes, and net proceeds to seller and cash needed from buyer at closing.
County-specific transfer tax affidavits, transfer declarations, and recording cover sheets required by the county recorder to accept and index the deed.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| eSign Method | Email link or SMS code |
| Authentication | Email + access code or ID check |
| Notarization | In-person or RON where allowed |
| Recording | Send executed PDF to title for county recording |
Due per contract, often within 3 business days of acceptance
Buyer typically has 7–14 days to inspect and request repairs
Deadline for loan commitment per contract terms
Agreed date when funds transfer and deed recordation occur
County recording usually posts within 1–10 business days after submission
Contract executed and earnest money delivered to escrow
Title order placed and preliminary commitment issued
Buyer conducts inspections and negotiates repairs
Funds wired, documents signed, deed recorded at county
Tim Martin's brokerage moved to online closings to reduce paper handling and travel for sellers.
Optica standardized sale packages into reusable templates for portfolio properties.
| 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 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 limit | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Ensure the chosen platform supports required file types, integrations, and authentication methods for real estate closings.