Real Estate Statement of Services
What the Real Estate Statement of Services Is
Why a Clear Statement of Services Matters
A precise Statement of Services aligns expectations between parties, documents agreed fees and deliverables, and provides evidence of mutual consent that supports enforceability under ESIGN and UETA when signed electronically.
Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Document
The Statement is used by brokers, property managers, landlords, sellers, buyers, and service vendors in residential and commercial real estate transactions.
- Licensed brokers and agents who list or manage properties and need written service and fee disclosure.
- Property managers and vendors hired for maintenance, leasing, or facilities services under recurring or project contracts.
- Owners and investors who require a written record of delegated duties and billing arrangements.
Different parties rely on the document for onboarding, fee disclosure, vendor engagement, and recordkeeping; versions vary by role and transaction complexity.
Step-by-Step: Prepare and Execute the Statement
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01Draft: Assemble property details, scope, fees, and term.
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02Review: Confirm fee math, exclusions, and applicable state disclosures.
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03Sign: Obtain signatures from all authorized parties, in order.
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04Distribute: Send executed copies to parties and retain originals.
Where to Send or File the Completed Statement
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Client Copies: Provide PDF copies to each signer for their records.
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Brokerage File: Store signed document in the broker or property manager transaction file.
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Accounting: Deliver billing terms to accounts payable/receivable for invoicing.
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Title/Escrow: Share with title or escrow when service fees affect closing or disbursement.
Typical Digital Workflow Settings for Online Completion
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Routing Order | Sequential signer order or parallel routing |
| Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or ID verification |
| Templates | Use reusable template for standard clauses |
| Notifications | Reminders, completion notices, and audit trail emails |
Delivery Methods and Technical Considerations
Choose delivery channels and file formats based on signer access and compliance needs.
- Email: Common; includes signed PDF and audit certificate.
- Secure Link: Provides temporary access and improved control.
- Integration: Supports CRM and cloud storage via standard connectors.
Typical Timelines and Processing Expectations
Review Period:
Allow 3–7 business days for internal approvals.
Acceptance Window:
Specify how long an offer or fee proposal remains valid, commonly 7–14 days.
Notice Periods:
State required notices (e.g., termination) and associated timeframes.
Billing Cycle:
Confirm invoice frequency and payment due dates.
Record Retention Action:
Document archiving steps after closing or contract end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Statement
- Using vague service descriptions such as 'assist as needed' instead of enumerating tasks creates disputes over scope and payment.
- Failing to specify who pays third-party expenses or how reimbursements are approved leads to billing disagreements.
- Omitting an effective date, termination clause, or renewal mechanics can extend obligations unintentionally and complicate audits.
- Allowing unsigned or partially signed copies into files without a completion certificate undermines enforceability and hampers record retention.
Consequences of Errors or Missing Information
Real-World Examples of Statements in Use
Broker Listing Agreement Example
A residential broker listed a home and specified marketing, open-house duties, and a 6% commission split
- The document required owner initials for paid advertising line items
- The clear fee schedule prevented a post-closing commission dispute and was included in the closing package for title review.
Property Management Engagement
An investor signed a property management Statement defining tenant placement, maintenance thresholds, and a 10% management fee
- The agreement required preapproval for repairs over $500
- Defined thresholds and reporting cadence reduced billing disagreements and simplified monthly owner distributions.
Practical Tips for Accurate, Efficient Statements
FAQs and Troubleshooting for Common Issues
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Is an electronic signature valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures meeting ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and applicable state UETA standards satisfy contract-signature requirements provided intent, consent, attribution, and reproducible record retention are met.
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Do I need a notary for this statement?
Generally no for most service agreements, but certain conveyance-related documents or state-specific instruments may require notarization; verify local law and consider notarizing when signatures affect title or third-party records.
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How should I authenticate signers?
Use email plus SMS code or ID credential analysis for higher-risk transactions. Record authentication method in the audit trail to support later challenges to signer identity.
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What if a signer changes contact info mid-process?
Void the outstanding signing link, update the recipient record, and reissue the document to ensure attribution and maintain an accurate audit trail.
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How long must I keep the signed file?
Retain signed Statements according to relevant standards: IRS records three years (IRC §6501(a)), HIPAA six years (45 CFR §164.530(j)), and longer where state or industry rules require it.
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Can I amend the Statement after execution?
Yes, but amendments should be executed by all parties and appended to the original. Record both the amendment and the prior version to preserve history and consent evidence.