Intent Statement
Begin with a concise declaration of intent describing whether the LOI is non-binding or contains specific binding clauses like confidentiality or exclusivity, and explain scope of the intended transaction.
A Purchase Letter of Intent clarifies preliminary terms, reduces misunderstandings, and frames negotiation priorities. It helps parties identify contingencies, set deadlines, guide due diligence, and preserve negotiating leverage while the definitive purchase agreement is prepared.
Typical participants who use a Purchase Letter of Intent include buyers, sellers, brokers, and counsel at the start of a transaction.
Engage the appropriate representatives—agents, escrow officers, and attorneys—when transactions involve specialty assets, regulatory approvals, or significant tax consequences.
Begin with a concise declaration of intent describing whether the LOI is non-binding or contains specific binding clauses like confidentiality or exclusivity, and explain scope of the intended transaction.
Specify purchase price, currency, payment schedule, allocation of adjustments, and whether price is subject to post-due-diligence change; include escrow agent details and payment conditions.
List material conditions precedent such as financing approval, satisfactory inspections, title review, and regulatory consents with explicit deadlines and exit rights or cure periods.
Provide a schedule for deposit deadlines, due diligence period, signing of the definitive agreement, and closing date to coordinate expectations and third-party obligations, including milestones.
Include nondisclosure terms to protect sensitive information shared during negotiations, specify permitted disclosures, duration of confidentiality, remedies for breach, and carve-outs for legal disclosures.
Identify any provisions intended to be binding — often confidentiality, exclusivity, or reimbursement of due diligence costs — and use explicit language to avoid unintended obligations.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Document Template | Pre-fill common fields and attach exhibits automatically |
| Signer Order | Sequential or parallel routing as required |
| Authentication | Email, SMS code, or stronger KBA when needed |
| Reminders & Storage | Automated reminders and PDF/A archival for records |
Delivery options for a Purchase Letter of Intent include email, secure link, in-person exchange, or filing with counsel or escrow agent depending on preferences and legal requirements.
Typically seven to fourteen calendar days to accept or counter.
Deposit due within three business days after LOI execution.
Commonly thirty days, extendable by agreement of the parties.
Set date when purchase agreement must be signed before closing.
Targeted closing date and any drop-dead cutoff for the transaction.
Buyer delivers draft LOI with core terms for seller review.
Counteroffers and redlines exchanged until mutual agreement.
Parties sign LOI and buyer provides agreed deposit.
Inspections, title checks, financing and scheduling final closing.
| Criteria | Purchase LOI | Purchase Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Binding Status | typically non-binding | typically binding |
| Typical Use | outline terms | final contract |
| Signing Formalities | rarely notarized | may require notarization |
| Legal Remedies | limited remedies | full contractual remedies |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Premium plan) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA required) | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
The buyer's authorized representative must have authority to commit funds and approve contingencies; lenders and internal finance should confirm the funding source before executing any deposit obligations.
The seller or its authorized agent must have authority to negotiate transfer terms and disclose material facts; if the seller is an entity, include officer title or resolution language confirming signing authority.
Martin Properties used an LOI to summarize terms for a multi-unit purchase, aligning buyer and seller expectations early in the process.
A healthcare practice used an LOI to record purchase price allocation and transitional services, enabling fast engagement with lenders.