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Real Estate Agreement

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CONTRACT FOR THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE
(NO BROKER)

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged,

, “Seller” whether one or more, and

, “Buyer” whether one or more,

do hereby covenant, contract and agree as follows:

1. AGREEMENT TO SALE AND PURCHASE: Seller agrees to sell, and Buyer agrees to buy from Seller the property described as follows:

(complete adequately to identify property)

County, New York. Tax map designation:

Address:

Legal Description (or see attached exhibit):

As described in attached Exhibit.

Together with the following items, if any: (Strike items to be retained by Seller) curtains and rods, draperies and rods, valances, blinds, window shades, screens, shutters, awnings, wall-to-wall carpeting, mirrors fixed in place, ceiling fans, attic fans, mail boxes, television antennas and satellite dish system with controls and equipment, permanently installed heating and air-conditioning units, window air-conditioning units, built-in security and fire detection equipment, plumbing and lighting fixtures including chandeliers, water softener, stove, built-in kitchen equipment, garage door openers with controls, built-in cleaning equipment, all swimming pool equipment and maintenance accessories, shrubbery, landscaping, permanently installed outdoor cooking equipment, built-in fireplace screens, artificial fireplace logs and all other property owned by Seller and attached to the above described real property except the following property which is not included (list items not included):

All property sold by this contract is called the "Property."

2. SALES PRICE: The parties agree to the following sales price:

Amount Amount
Purchase Price $
Earnest Money $
New Loan $
Assumption of Loan $
Seller Financing $
Cash at Closing $
Total (both columns should be equal) $ $

Both columns should be an equal amount.

If the unpaid principal balance(s) of any assumed loan(s), if any, as of the Closing Date varies from the loan balance(s) stated above, the cash payable at closing will be adjusted by the amount of any variance.

3. FINANCING: The following provisions apply with respect to financing:

CASH SALE: This contract is not contingent on financing.

OWNER FINANCING: Seller agrees to finance dollars of the purchase price pursuant to a promissory note from Buyer to Seller of $ , bearing % interest per annum, payable over a term of years with even monthly payments, secured by a deed of trust or mortgage lien with the first payment to begin on the day of , 20 .

NEW LOAN OR ASSUMPTION: This contract is contingent on Buyer obtaining financing. Within days after the effective date of this contract Buyer shall apply for all financing or noteholder's approval of any assumption and make every reasonable effort to obtain financing or assumption approval.

The following loan type:

Conventional VA FHA Other:

4. EARNEST MONEY: Buyer shall deposit $ as earnest money with upon execution of this contract by both parties.

5. PROPERTY CONDITION:

SELLER’S DISCLOSURE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT AND LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS is required by Federal law for a residential dwelling constructed prior to 1978.

An addendum providing such disclosure is attached is not applicable.

Buyer hereby represents that he has personally inspected and examined the above-mentioned premises and all improvements thereon.

Buyer accepts the property in its "as-is" and present condition.

Buyer may have the property inspected by persons of Buyer's choosing and at Buyer's expense. If the inspection report reveals defects in the property, Buyer shall notify Seller within days of receipt of the report.

Buyer accepts the Property in its present condition; provided Seller, at Seller’s expense, shall complete the following repairs and treatment:

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND BUILT IN APPLIANCES:

All such equipment is sold "as-is" without warranty, or shall be in good working order on the date of closing.

Any repairs needed to mechanical equipment or appliances, if any, shall be the responsibility of Seller Buyer.

UTILITIES:

Water is provided to the property by , Sewer is provided by .

Gas is provided by . Electricity is provided by .

Other:

The present condition of all utilities is accepted by Buyer.

6. CLOSING: The closing of the sale will be on or before , 20 , unless extended pursuant to the terms hereof.

7. TITLE AND CONVEYANCE: Seller is to convey title to Buyer by Warranty Deed or (as appropriate).

Seller shall provide Buyer with a Certificate of Title prepared by an attorney, title or abstract company upon whose Certificate or report title insurance may be obtained from a title insurance company qualified to do business in New York.

A title report shall be provided to Buyer at least days prior to closing.

If there are title defects, Seller shall notify Buyer within days of closing and Buyer, at Buyer's option, may either accept title as is or cancel this contract.

8. TITLE EXAMINATION; SELLER’S INABILITY TO CONVEY; LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:

Purchaser shall order an examination of title in respect of the Property from a title company promptly after the execution of this contract or after a mortgage commitment has been accepted by Buyer.

9. APPRAISAL, SURVEY & TERMITE INSPECTION:

Any appraisal of the property shall be the responsibility of Buyer Seller.

A survey is not required required, the cost of which shall be paid by Seller Buyer.

A termite inspection is not required required, the cost of which shall be paid by Seller Buyer.

10. POSSESSION AND TITLE: Seller shall deliver possession of the Property to Buyer at closing.

Title shall be conveyed to Buyer, if more than one as Joint tenants with rights of survivorship, tenants in common, Other:

11. CLOSING COSTS AND EXPENSES: The following closing costs shall be paid as provided.

Closing Costs Buyer Seller Both*
Attorney Fees
Title Insurance
Title Abstract or Certificate
Property Insurance
Recording Fees
Appraisal
Survey
Termite Inspection
Origination fees
Discount Points
If contingent on rezoning, cost and expenses of rezoning
Other:
All other closing costs

12. PRORATIONS: Taxes for the current year, interest, maintenance fees, assessments, dues and rents, if any, will be prorated through the Closing Date.

13. CASUALTY LOSS: If any part of the Property is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty loss after the effective date of the contract, Seller shall restore the Property to its previous condition as soon as reasonably possible.

14. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES: If Buyer defaults hereunder, Seller’s sole remedy shall be to receive and retain the down payment/earnest money.

15. ATTORNEY'S FEES: The prevailing party in any legal proceeding brought under or with respect to the transaction described in this contract is entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees.

16. REPRESENTATIONS: Seller represents that as of the Closing Date there will be no liens, assessments, or security interests against the Property which will not be satisfied out of the sales proceeds.

17. FEDERAL TAX REQUIREMENT: If Seller is a "foreign person", Buyer shall withhold from the sales proceeds an amount sufficient to comply with applicable tax law.

18. AGREEMENT OF PARTIES: This contract contains the entire agreement of the parties and cannot be changed except by their written agreement.

19. NOTICES: All notices from one party to the other must be in writing and are effective when mailed to, hand-delivered at, or transmitted by facsimile machine as follows:

To Buyer at:

Telephone ()

Facsimile ()

To Seller at:

Telephone ()

Facsimile ()

20. ASSIGNMENT: This agreement may not be assigned by Buyer without the consent of Seller.

21. PRIOR AGREEMENTS: This contract incorporates all prior agreements between the parties, contains the entire and final agreement of the parties, and cannot be changed except by their written consent.

22. NO BROKER OR AGENTS: The parties represent that neither party has employed the services of a real estate broker or agent in connection with the property.

23. EMINENT DOMAIN: If the property is condemned by eminent domain after the effective date hereof, the Seller and Buyer shall agree to continue the closing, or cancel this Contract.

24. OTHER PROVISIONS

25. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT.

26. GOVERNING LAW: This contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

27. DEADLINE LIST (Optional) (complete all that apply). Based on other provisions of Contract.

Deadline Date
Loan Application Deadline, if contingent on loan
Loan Commitment Deadline
Buyer(s) Credit Information to Seller
Disapproval of Buyers Credit Deadline
Survey Deadline
Title Objection Deadline
Appraisal Deadline
Property Inspection Deadline

Whether or not listed above, deadlines contained in this Contract may be extended informally by a writing signed by the person granting the extension except for the closing date which must be extended by a writing signed by both Seller and Buyer.

EXECUTED the day of , 20 (THE EFFECTIVE DATE).

Buyer

Buyer

Seller

Seller

EXHIBIT FOR DESCRIPTION OR ATTACH SEPARATE DESCRIPTION

RECEIPT

Receipt of Earnest Money is acknowledged.

Signature:

By:

Address

City State Zip Code

Date:

Telephone ()

Facsimile ()

Enter text✕

What a Real Estate Agreement Is and when it applies

A Real Estate Agreement is a legally binding contract that documents terms between parties for sale, lease, or transfer of real property. It records identification of buyer and seller (or landlord and tenant), property description, price or rent, timelines, conditions, contingencies, and signatures. In the United States these agreements operate under state real property laws and, for electronic execution, federal and state e-signature frameworks such as the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted.

Why a clear Real Estate Agreement matters

A well-drafted agreement reduces ambiguity, allocates risk, and creates enforceable obligations between parties. Electronically executed agreements generally meet legal validity tests under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA when intent, consent, attribution, and retention are documented.

Why a clear Real Estate Agreement matters

Who typically prepares or signs a Real Estate Agreement

Typical participants include buyers, sellers, listing agents, leasing agents, landlords, tenants, mortgage lenders, and closing attorneys.

  • Real estate brokers and agents representing buyers or sellers in transactions and disclosures.
  • Property managers and landlords executing leases and renewal agreements for rental property.
  • Buyers, sellers, and their attorneys handling purchase contracts, contingencies, and closing documents.

Roles vary by transaction type; ensure authorized signatories and any required witnesses or notarizations are identified before signing.

Essential components of a professional Real Estate Agreement

A complete agreement ties together parties, property, price, timelines, conditions, and execution details so rights are clear and enforceable.

Parties

Full legal names and entity types for all buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and guarantors; include business registration where applicable.

Property description

Legal description and address, parcel number, and any included fixtures or exclusions to precisely identify the asset conveyed or leased.

Price and payment

Purchase price or rent, deposit/earnest money amount, payment schedule, escrow instructions, and conditions for release or forfeiture.

Contingencies

Inspection, financing, appraisal, title review, and other conditions precedent with clear cure periods and termination rights.

Closing and possession

Closing date, place, required deliverables, prorations, possession timing, and responsibilities for utilities and repairs.

Signatures and dates

Spaces for signatures, printed names, dates, and any witness or notary blocks required by state law or lender instructions.

Step-by-step process to complete a Real Estate Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, and execute the agreement efficiently.

  • 01
    Prepare draft: Populate parties, property, price, and key terms; attach exhibits and disclosures.
  • 02
    Review and negotiate: Share draft with counterparty and counsel; track edits and agreed changes.
  • 03
    Verify signatories: Confirm authorized signer names and any required corporate approvals or POAs.
  • 04
    Execute and distribute: Sign in the chosen method (wet, RON, or e-signature) and distribute fully executed copies to stakeholders.

Where to send, file, and deliver the executed agreement

Determine required recipients and filing locations to complete title, recording, mortgage, or lease obligations.

  • Title / Escrow: Send fully executed original or certified copy to the escrow agent for closing and recording.
  • Lender: Provide executed contract and required attachments to the mortgage lender for underwriting and commitment.
  • County recorder: Record deeds and certain instruments with the county recorder where the property is located.
  • Party distribution: Deliver signed copies to buyer, seller, brokers, and attorneys as specified in the agreement.

Digital signing options and technical delivery channels

Real estate transactions can use e-signature platforms for most signature-required documents when permitted by law and lender policies.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX are standard.
  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage commonly supported.
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or higher-level KBA available.

Confirm lender, title, and county recorder acceptance of electronic execution and whether remote online notarization (RON) or wet-notary originals are required for recordable instruments.

Required information and document controls

Full names: Exact legal names
Property ID: Address and parcel
Monetary terms: Price and deposits
Dates: Effective and closing
Signatures: Signed and dated
Notary block: If required by state

Real-world examples of e-signed Real Estate Agreements in practice

These concise examples show how organizations use secure electronic workflows to complete property agreements.

Optica Ventures LLC

Optica used online signing to simplify customer transactions

  • Reduced back-and-forth with customers during closings
  • "The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Brian Fitzgibbons, COO, Optica Ventures LLC.

Martin Properties

A small brokerage moved leases and purchase offers online

  • Enabled mobile signing for agents in the field
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Tim Martin, Founder, Martin Properties.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the agreement

  • Using informal or incomplete property descriptions that complicate title searches and recording.
  • Failing to verify signer authority for corporate entities or trusts before execution and recording.
  • Overlooking lender or title requirements for original notarized signatures or RON-compliant notarizations.
  • Entering inconsistent names or dates between exhibits, causing closing delays and re-signing.

Penalties and legal risks from incorrect or incomplete agreements

Recordability risk: Rejected recording
Title defects: Clouded title risk
Contract disputes: Breach litigation
Tax consequences: Filing inaccuracies
Loan delays: Underwriting holds
Notary errors: Execution invalidity

Timing and common deadlines to track in real estate transactions

Track contingency periods, inspection windows, financing deadlines, and closing dates to avoid default or forfeiture.

Inspection contingency deadline:

Typically 7–14 days from effective date; varies by agreement

Financing contingency:

Date by which buyer must secure financing or notify of waiver

Title review period:

Commonly 5–10 days for objection and cure

Closing date:

Agreed date when deed transfers and funds are remitted

Possession date:

Date tenant or buyer may occupy, sometimes different from closing

eSignature vendor comparison for Real Estate Agreement workflows

A concise pricing and capability comparison of common eSignature vendors used in U.S. real estate workflows; signNow is listed first per platform data.

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, no card No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year No cap No cap No cap

Frequently asked questions about executing Real Estate Agreements

Answers to common execution, notarization, and e-signature questions encountered in real estate transactions.


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