Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Property Sale Retainer Agreement

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

PROPERTY SALE RETAINER AGREEMENT

Parties and Property

This Property Sale Retainer Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into by and between:

Engagement; Scope of Services

Representative is retained to perform professional services in connection with the marketing, negotiation, and sale of the Property identified above, which may include: marketing and listing the Property, advising Client on offers, negotiating terms, preparing or reviewing sale contracts, coordinating inspections and disclosures, coordinating closing, and such other services as the parties may agree in writing (the Services). Representative shall act as an agent or counsel as separately indicated and shall perform the Services in accordance with applicable law and professional standards.

Retainer Fee; Billing and Expenses

Client agrees to pay Representative a non-refundable retainer in the amount of , due upon execution of this Agreement. The retainer shall be applied against fees and costs as set forth below.

Client shall also reimburse Representative for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing the Services, including title reports, courier fees, filings, and other third-party costs. Representative will provide periodic invoices showing fees, expenses, credits of the retainer, and the balance due. Payment is due within days of invoice.

Commission; Success Fee

In the event of a sale of the Property during the term of this Agreement, Client agrees to pay Representative a success fee or commission equal to % of the gross sales price, or a flat fee of , as applicable. Commission shall be earned upon the closing of escrow or transfer of title and is payable from sale proceeds at closing unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Trust Accounting and Handling of Funds

Any deposits, earnest money, or client funds received by Representative in connection with the sale shall be deposited into Representative's trust account and held in accordance with applicable fiduciary rules. Representative shall not disburse funds except as authorized by Client or by operation of a sale contract and closing instructions.

Client Representations and Disclosures

Client represents that the information provided to Representative regarding ownership, liens, encumbrances, and material facts affecting the Property is complete and truthful. Client agrees to provide all required disclosures and to notify Representative promptly of any material change.

Lead-based paint present: Yes No

Mold or water intrusion known: Yes No

Prior material damage or structural repairs: Yes No

Term; Termination

This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until completion of the Services or earlier termination as provided herein. Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other party. If Representative is terminated without cause, Representative shall be entitled to fees for Services performed and costs incurred through the date of termination and any non-refunded portion of the retainer.

Effective Date:

Default; Remedies

A material breach by either party shall entitle the non-breaching party to pursue all available remedies at law or in equity. In the event of a dispute regarding fees or interpretation of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

Confidentiality

Representative shall maintain the confidentiality of Client's non-public information in accordance with professional obligations, except as necessary to perform the Services or as required by law. Client authorizes disclosure of information to escrow, title, cooperating brokers, and other parties as reasonably necessary to effectuate a sale.

Limitation of Liability; Indemnity

Representative's liability for any claim arising from this Agreement shall be limited to direct damages not exceeding the total fees actually paid to Representative under this Agreement, except where prohibited by law. Client agrees to indemnify and hold Representative harmless from claims arising out of Client's breach of representations, failure to disclose material facts, or actions contrary to Representative's advice.

Notices; Governing Law; Entire Agreement

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses listed above. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Property is located. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral.

Acknowledgment

By signing below, Client acknowledges that Client has read and understands this Agreement, has had an opportunity to ask questions, and agrees to be bound by its terms. Representative confirms authority to provide the Services described herein and to bill as stated.

Client Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Representative Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Property Sale Retainer Agreement Covers

A Property Sale Retainer Agreement is a written engagement between a property owner and a broker, agent, or attorney that documents scope, retainer fees, responsibilities, and the parties’ consent to begin work toward selling real property. It clarifies the services to be provided—marketing, showings, negotiation, escrow coordination—and sets payment terms such as flat retainer, hourly billing, or commission crediting. The agreement also allocates authority to execute listing materials and describes how disputes, termination, and costs will be handled while the sale process is active.

Why use a Property Sale Retainer Agreement

A clear retainer agreement reduces misunderstandings, sets expectations for fees and deliverables, preserves proof of consent, and creates an enforceable record of the engagement. For sellers, it defines timelines and termination rights; for agents or attorneys, it documents authority to act and collect payment.

Why use a Property Sale Retainer Agreement

Who commonly uses this agreement

Typical users include property owners, listing agents, real estate brokers, and real estate attorneys preparing for a sale.

  • Sellers and homeowners who want formal terms before marketing starts
  • Real estate brokers and listing agents documenting their commission and duties
  • Real estate attorneys retained to manage closing, disclosures, or negotiation

Each party benefits from written terms that address scope, payment, duration, and authority to execute sale-related documents.

Core elements to include in a professional retainer

A complete agreement balances commercial detail and legal clarity so both sides understand scope, payment, and how the transaction proceeds.

Parties

Identify full legal names and contact information for seller, agent, and any designated agent or attorney responsible for the sale.

Scope

Describe the services to be performed, including marketing, property showings, negotiation, coordination of inspections, title review, and closing support.

Retainer and Fees

State retainer amount, whether it is refundable, hourly rates if applicable, commission rate, and how retainer credits against closing proceeds.

Authority

Specify the agent’s authority to sign listing agreements, accept offers subject to seller approval, and deliver disclosures on the seller’s behalf.

Term and Termination

Set the agreement start date, automatic expiry or renewal conditions, termination notice period, and consequences for early termination.

Dispute Resolution

Define governing law, venue, and whether mediation or arbitration is required before litigation.

Step-by-step: completing the retainer

Follow this sequence to prepare a usable agreement and start services promptly.

  • 01
    Gather party details: Collect full legal names and IDs for all signatories.
  • 02
    Describe services: Define tasks, deliverables, and exclusions in plain terms.
  • 03
    Set fees: Record retainer, hourly rates, and commission crediting.
  • 04
    Sign and store: Obtain signatures, notarize if required, and archive the final copy.

Where to send or file the signed agreement

After signing, route copies to relevant parties and store the executed agreement with transaction records.

  • Seller copy: Provide an executed PDF copy to the seller for their records.
  • Agent file: Agent retains a signed file for MLS and broker compliance.
  • Attorney file: Attorney retains copy if engaged for closing or title work.
  • Escrow/title: Send relevant excerpts to escrow or title company if requested.

Digital workflow configuration for online completion

Configure an online signing workflow so all parties can receive, review, and sign efficiently.

Field Configuration
Signer roles and order Define signer sequence: seller first, agent second, attorney optional.
Authentication level Choose email link, SMS code, or ID verification per transaction sensitivity.
Notifications Enable automated reminders and completion notices to signers and agent.
Document retention Set storage location, retention period, and access permissions.

Digital signing and technical requirements

Confirm platform capabilities before e-signing to ensure compliance and accessibility.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or ID verification
  • Audit trail: Timestamps and IP logging

Choose a platform that supports the required authentication level, audit trail, and secure storage for transaction records.

Comparing eSignature vendors for retainer execution

Basic capability and pricing comparisons can help select an eSignature provider that supports notarization, audit trails, and HIPAA or other compliance needs.

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 vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Available in premium plans Available Available Available Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA) Yes (BAA) Yes (BAA) Varies by plan Varies by plan
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Security and compliance checklist for signed files

Encryption: AES-256 at rest
In transit: TLS 1.2/1.3
Audit Trail: Detailed timestamp and IP logging
Regulatory: ESIGN and UETA compliant
Healthcare: HIPAA BAA available
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

Consequences of an incorrect or incomplete retainer

Unenforceable Terms: Ambiguous language risks unenforceability
Fee Disputes: Missing fee terms can trigger litigation
Title Delays: Incorrect property details delay closing
Notarization Failure: Omitted notarization can invalidate conveyance
Regulatory Penalties: HIPAA violations invoke fines if PHI exposed
Tax Impacts: Improper reporting may trigger IRS penalties

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Failing to specify whether the retainer is refundable or creditable against commission leads to payment disputes and unclear closing adjustments.
  • Using vague service descriptions such as 'best efforts' or 'reasonable attempts' without concrete deliverables invites differing expectations and potential claims.
  • Neglecting to update party names for entities or trusts can prevent title transfer and complicate escrow instructions at closing.
  • Skipping authentication or weak signer verification increases risk of signature disputes and may undermine admissibility in court.

Key deadlines to track in the sale process

Document the critical dates so obligations and contingencies run correctly and parties produce required deliverables on schedule.

Retainer Effective Date:

Controls when agent duties and seller obligations begin

Inspection Period End:

Date by which buyer must complete inspections or raise objections

Offer Acceptance Deadline:

Cutoff for seller to accept or counter an offer

Closing Date:

Agreed settlement date for transfer of title

Retainer Renewal Deadline:

When the agreement expires and requires renewal

Frequently asked questions about the agreement

Answers to common legal and procedural questions related to executing, correcting, and storing a Property Sale Retainer Agreement.


Need help? Contact support

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