Purchase Terms
Defines price, deposit, earnest money escrow instructions, and conditions for release; include wire instructions and escrow agent details to prevent payment errors or fraud.
A well-prepared Real Estate Cotswold Contract reduces ambiguity about obligations, shortens negotiation cycles, and protects both buyer and seller by documenting contingencies, timing, and remedies. It supports enforceability at closing and during post-closing disputes when executed with proper signatures and acknowledgements.
Real estate brokers, listing and buyer agents, attorneys, transaction coordinators, title companies, and contracting parties most often complete the Cotswold Contract.
Use the correct role for each section and verify signatory authority and identification to avoid execution defects that can delay closing.
The buyer (individual or entity) who acquires the property. If an entity signs, include the full legal entity name, the signer’s printed name and title, and proof of corporate authority (board resolution or operating agreement excerpt) to avoid later challenges to authority.
The seller who conveys title. For estates, trusts, or entities, document the legal capacity (executor, trustee, manager) and attach authorization. Missing authority or incorrect signer names can cause title delays or require corrective deeds.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Seller then buyer or simultaneous signing |
| Required Fields | Names, dates, initials, deposit amount |
| Authentication | Email plus SMS code or KBA if needed |
| Document Retention | Enable PDF + audit trail archival |
Ensure the chosen platform supports PDF/DOCX upload, audit trails, and required authentication for your jurisdiction and industry.
Confirm encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest (AES-256) and verify whether a BAA or additional compliance add-on is required for sensitive workflows.
Defines price, deposit, earnest money escrow instructions, and conditions for release; include wire instructions and escrow agent details to prevent payment errors or fraud.
Specifies inspection window, notice of defects, cure rights, and cost-sharing; attach inspection report deadlines to enforce remedies.
Sets loan application deadlines, rate or term caps, and obligation to use good-faith efforts to obtain financing; tie cure dates to financing commitment.
Requires seller to deliver marketable title, address recorded exceptions, and provide survey if needed; state who pays for clearing exceptions.
Specifies closing date, place, prorations, deed form, and funds required at closing; indicate escrow agent and wiring verification steps.
Describes cure periods, liquidated damages or specific performance, and allocation of costs and attorney’s fees on enforcement.
Date by which buyer must accept or request repairs
Loan approval deadline for buyer
Last day to object to title defects
Scheduled date for deed transfer and fund exchange
Short-term period for prorations and final adjustments
Optica used an online workflow for a commercial buyout with remote signatures to speed execution.
A regional broker executed multiple residential contracts remotely during a relocation period.
| 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 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |