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Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement

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REAL ESTATE BUY SELL AGREEMENT

This Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement (the Agreement) is made as of the Effective Date: , by and between Seller Name: , Seller Address: , and Buyer Name: , Buyer Address: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of certain real property and improvements located at (the Property); and

WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase the Property and Seller desires to sell the Property upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the sale be consummated through a closing conducted by Escrow Holder designated below, subject to the terms, contingencies and prorations set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Seller and Buyer agree as follows:

1. PURCHASE AND SALE

1.1 Purchase Price. Buyer agrees to purchase and Seller agrees to sell the Property for a total purchase price of $ (Purchase Price).

1.2 Earnest Money. Within days of mutual execution, Buyer shall deposit earnest money in the amount of $ with Escrow Holder: , to be applied to the Purchase Price at closing.

1.3 Closing Date. The closing of the transaction (Closing) shall occur on or before , unless extended pursuant to this Agreement.

2. TITLE, SURVEY AND INSURANCE

2.1 Title Commitment. Seller shall deliver to Buyer, within a commercially reasonable time after mutual execution, a title commitment evidencing marketable fee simple title subject only to permitted exceptions. Buyer shall have the right to object to any exception not listed as permitted.

2.2 Cure of Title. If Buyer timely objects to title defects, Seller shall have thirty (30) days to cure such defects. If Seller fails to cure, Buyer may elect to either waive the objection and close or terminate this Agreement and receive return of earnest money.

2.3 Insurance. At Closing Seller shall deliver any existing owner policies and Buyer shall obtain hazard insurance effective as of the Closing for the full insurable value of improvements.

3. INSPECTIONS AND CONTINGENCIES

3.1 Inspection Period. Buyer shall have days from receipt of access to perform such inspections, tests and investigations of the Property as Buyer reasonably deems necessary. Seller shall provide reasonable access.

3.2 Contingencies. The following contingency options apply (check all that apply):

— Buyer to obtain loan in the amount of $

— Buyer may terminate or demand repairs within inspection period.

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

4.1 Seller's Representations. Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that: (a) Seller is the sole legal owner of the Property and has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and convey the Property free of undisclosed encumbrances; (b) there are no pending legal actions affecting the Property other than as disclosed in writing; and (c) to Seller's knowledge, except as disclosed in writing, there are no material violations of applicable laws or ordinances affecting the Property.

4.2 Buyer's Representations. Buyer represents that Buyer has the financial capacity to perform under this Agreement, subject to any financing contingency expressly set forth herein.

5. CONDITION OF PROPERTY; PERSONAL PROPERTY

5.1 As-Is Sale. Except for Seller's express representations and warranties set forth in Section 4, Buyer accepts the Property in its present condition and acknowledges that Seller has no obligation to make repairs unless expressly agreed in writing.

6. CLOSING AND ESCROW

6.1 Closing Deliveries. At Closing, Seller shall deliver a statutory deed conveying title to Buyer, executed closing statements, and any affidavits reasonably required by the title company. Buyer shall deliver the Purchase Price by wire transfer or certified funds and any lender documents if applicable.

6.2 Prorations. Real property taxes, rents, utilities, homeowners' association fees and other customary items shall be prorated as of the Closing Date on a per diem basis, unless otherwise specified.

7. COSTS AND EXPENSES

Unless otherwise agreed, Seller shall pay costs to cure title and any outstanding assessments attributable to periods prior to Closing; Buyer shall pay escrow closing fees, lender fees, recording fees, and any costs related to Buyer's financing. Transfer taxes, if any, shall be paid as agreed:

8. DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

8.1 Seller Default. If Seller fails to perform Seller's obligations, Buyer may elect to (i) terminate this Agreement and receive return of earnest money or (ii) seek specific performance and damages. Buyer shall provide written notice of election and Seller shall have ten (10) days to cure any curable default.

8.2 Buyer Default. If Buyer fails to timely close other than due to Seller's default, Seller may retain earnest money as liquidated damages or pursue specific performance or other remedies available at law or equity.

9. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand, overnight courier, or certified mail to the addresses below (or to such other address as a party may designate in writing):

10. MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Property is located, without regard to choice of law principles.

10.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including all exhibits and written addenda executed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between Seller and Buyer with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations and agreements, whether written or oral.

10.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable.

10.4 Amendments; Waiver. Any amendment to this Agreement must be in writing signed by both parties. The failure of either party to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or the right to enforce it later.

10.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures transmitted by electronic means shall be binding.

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

SIGNATURES

Seller Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Buyer Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement Is

Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement is a legal contract that records the terms under which a seller transfers ownership of residential or commercial property to a buyer. It sets the purchase price, deposit and financing conditions, contingencies such as inspections and title review, allocation of closing costs, and the schedule for closing and possession. The agreement establishes rights and obligations for both parties, identifies required disclosures, and provides remedies for breach. Parties often attach exhibits for legal descriptions, financing addenda, and escrow instructions to make terms enforceable.

Why a Clear Agreement Matters for Property Transactions

Use a Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement to document negotiated terms, reduce ambiguity, and create enforceable obligations during a property transaction. A clear agreement clarifies contingencies, allocation of costs, and closing timing, which helps minimize disputes and supports lender or title company requirements.

Why a Clear Agreement Matters for Property Transactions

Who Typically Prepares and Signs the Agreement

Typical users include buyers, sellers, real estate agents, brokers, title officers, escrow officers, and closing attorneys handling property transfers.

  • Individual buyers and sellers negotiating purchase terms and contingencies in private or agent-assisted transactions.
  • Real estate brokers and agents preparing offers, counteroffers, and coordinating inspections and financing contingencies.
  • Title companies, escrow officers, and closing attorneys reviewing title requirements and coordinating recording and disbursement.

Use this agreement as the central document for closing; ensure all parties review and initial any attachments or amendments before signing.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Agreement

Follow these steps to complete a Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement correctly and reduce post-signing disputes.

  • 01
    Draft Offer: Prepare initial terms, price, and contingencies.
  • 02
    Negotiate: Exchange counteroffers and update agreement terms.
  • 03
    Due Diligence: Schedule inspections, title search, and financing approval.
  • 04
    Close: Execute documents, fund escrow, and record deed.

Core Clauses That Should Be in Every Agreement

A complete Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement includes price terms, contingencies, closing mechanics, representations, risk allocation, and exhibits with legal descriptions and financing details.

Purchase Price

Specifies total consideration, allocation for personal property, deposits, financed amount, and timing of payments. Include escrow instructions and conditions for price adjustments like prorations or credits.

Contingencies

Inspection, financing, appraisal, and title contingencies with deadlines and cure periods. Specify what remedies apply if contingencies are not satisfied, including option to terminate or renegotiate.

Closing Terms

Defines closing date, possession transfer, prorations for taxes and utilities, closing location, and responsibility for closing costs and recording fees. Clarify who holds keys and accepts property condition.

Title and Survey

Requires seller to deliver marketable title, outlines required title insurance coverage, reveals existing liens, and sets obligations for providing updated surveys or boundary resolutions.

Representations & Warranties

Seller and buyer statements about authority, condition, compliance with laws, and lack of undisclosed defects. Include survival period and remedies for breaches.

Exhibits & Addenda

Attach legal property description, seller disclosures, HOA documents, financing addenda, and any negotiated special provisions to ensure they are part of the operative contract.

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption: AES-256 at rest; TLS 1.2/1.3 transit
Audit Trail: Time‑stamped actions, IP, and user logs
HIPAA (BAA): BAA available for protected health information
ESIGN / UETA: Meets ESIGN and UETA legal tests
Access Controls: Role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication
Notary / RON: Supports electronic notarization where permitted

Penalties and Risks to Watch For

Title Defects: Can invalidate transfer; costly litigation
Incorrect Description: Recording rejection or boundary disputes
Missed Deadlines: Loss of deposit or termination
Financing Failure: Transaction collapse and expenses
Improper Signatures: Unenforceable or delayed closing
Tax Reporting: Potential penalties and withholding

Common Preparation Mistakes

  • Using informal language or vague phrases about condition or price that leave key obligations ambiguous and invite disputes during closing or post-closing.
  • Failing to attach the legal description, title report, or HOA documents; clerical omissions often result in county rejection or delayed recording.
  • Missing clear financing contingency deadlines or proof of funds language, which can lead to contract termination or buyer default claims.
  • Not verifying signatory authority for corporations or entities; absent corporate resolutions or officer certificates cause delays and may void signatures.

How Electronic Signing Typically Works

Typical e-sign workflow for a Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement moves documents from seller to buyer through escrow and closing.

  • Upload: Submit final contract and exhibits.
  • Prepare Fields: Place signature, initial, and date fields.
  • Authenticate: Use email, SMS, or KBA per requirements.
  • Finalize: Collect signatures, generate audit trail, and distribute copies.

Setting Up a Digital Closing Workflow

Configure a digital signing workflow to align with closing procedures, escrow timelines, and title company requirements.

Field Setting Name | Configuration
Signer Order Sequential | Seller then buyer
Authentication SMS code | Optional per party
Bulk Send Bulk batch | Business Premium plan
Document Retention Audit trail | 7 years suggested

Delivery Methods and Integration Needs

Choose delivery channels and integrations that match title company, lender, and escrow workflows to prevent manual handoffs.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Storage: Cloud storage with versioning
  • Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, NetSuite

Contract Dates and Their Effects

Key deadline dates in a Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement affect contingencies, financing, and closing; follow contract dates precisely.

Offer Expiration Date:

Deadline for seller to accept or counter the offer.

Inspection Period Deadline:

Last day buyer may terminate or request repairs.

Finance Objection Date:

Date lender commitment must be delivered to buyer.

Closing Date:

Date for transfer of deed, funds, and possession.

Recording Deadline:

County recording of deed and mortgage to complete title transfer.

Key Transaction Milestones Leading to Closing

Milestones show the sequence from offer through closing; each stage triggers specific obligations and deadlines.

01

Offer Accepted

Execution of initial agreement and deposit into escrow.

02

Inspections Completed

Buyer completes inspections and submits repair requests.

03

Financing Approved

Lender issues commitment; buyer removes financing contingency.

04

Closing & Recording

Funds disbursed, deed recorded, and possession transferred.

Examples: How Agreement Terms Influence Outcomes

Real-world examples show how terms and contingencies shape outcomes in different sale scenarios and affect closing timelines.

Turnaround Sale

A buyer negotiates a short escrow for a bank-ordered sale and includes a quick financing contingency to meet lender timelines.

  • Seller accepted reduced inspection period to accelerate closing.
  • Careful drafting of the financing contingency and a clear earnest money deposit schedule allowed escrow to close on time; however, missing an updated title exception delayed funding and required an additional quick cure before recording.

Contingency Dispute

A residential sale stalled when inspection items were disputed and the contract lacked explicit repair standards and cure timeframes.

  • Buyer rescinded under an ambiguous inspection contingency.
  • The outcome required mediation and a post-closing credit; parties later amended their standard agreement to add specific repair thresholds, response times, and an escrow holdback to avoid similar disputes in future transactions.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison

Compare general pricing and key feature availability across common eSignature vendors for Real Estate Buy Sell Agreement workflows.

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 No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Practical Tips to Avoid Delays and Disputes

Following best practices reduces delays, improves enforceability, and simplifies title and escrow processing and minimizes post-closing disputes.

Verify signer identity and authority
Confirm government ID for individuals and corporate authorization for entities; obtain resolutions or officer certificates for corporate signers to prevent disputes over signature authority and delays at closing or recording.
Attach the full legal property description
Use the exact metes-and-bounds or lot-block-subdivision language from the deed or title report. Street addresses alone are insufficient for recording and may trigger county rejection.
Spell out contingencies and cure periods
Include explicit deadlines, notice procedures, and remedies for unsatisfied contingencies. Specify whether deposits are refundable, and define acceptable proof for lender conditions to reduce litigation risk.
Coordinate with title and escrow early
Share draft agreement with title company and escrow within days of execution to identify liens, required endorsements, and recording requirements; resolve issues before funding to avoid rescheduling closing.

Who Signs and Who Manages the Closing

Buyer — Individual

An individual buyer typically provides financing contingency, inspection rights, and earnest money. Buyers must ensure their lender conditions align with contract deadlines and deliver required disclosures. Confirm identity and source of funds to prevent delays at underwriting and closing.

Closing Attorney — Title Officer

Title officers and closing attorneys prepare closing documents, run title searches, clear recorded liens, and coordinate recording. They confirm deed form, prorations, and payoffs, and ensure compliance with state recording statutes and escrow instructions to enable transfer of marketable title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequent questions about completing, signing, and enforcing Real Estate Buy Sell Agreements, including electronic signing and notarization considerations.


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