Can this rider be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally recognized under the ESIGN Act and state UETA laws for most transactions. Confirm that parties consent to electronic records and that the chosen platform produces an audit trail and retains the signed record.

Do lenders accept sight unseen riders?

Some lenders accept them but may impose additional underwriting conditions, appraisal requirements, or inspections before funding. Always notify the lender early and obtain written confirmation of acceptability.

Is notarization required for the rider?

Notarization is not universally required for every rider, but related real estate conveyances or recorded documents typically need notarized acknowledgements. Check the title company and local recording office requirements.

What if a buyer later finds undisclosed defects?

Remedies depend on the rider’s language and preserved contingencies. If warranties or indemnities are limited, buyer claims may be restricted; consult legal counsel for dispute options.

Who should review the rider before signing?

Have buyer and seller legal counsel, the title company, and lender (if applicable) review for consistency with closing conditions, insurance and title commitments, and financing requirements.

How to correct errors found after signing?

Most corrections require a written amendment signed by all parties or a replacement rider executed by all signatories. Avoid unilateral edits; preserve audit trails for any re-executed documents.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Sight Unseen Purchase Rider

Sight Unseen Purchase Rider

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

SIGHT UNSEEN PURCHASE RIDER

This Sight Unseen Purchase Rider amends and supplements the Purchase Agreement identified below. The parties acknowledge and agree that Buyer is entering the transaction without a prior physical, in-person inspection of the Property and that the terms of this Rider govern to the extent of any conflict with the Purchase Agreement.

Parties and Purchase Agreement

Buyer Name(s) Buyer Contact Address Seller Name(s) Seller Contact Address Property Address Parcel / APN Legal Description

Purchase Agreement Date:

Purchase Terms

Purchase Price Earnest Money Deposit Escrow / Closing Agent

Closing Date: Possession Date:

Buyer Acknowledgment — Sight Unseen

Buyer expressly acknowledges that Buyer has not physically visited or inspected the Property in-person prior to executing the Purchase Agreement and is proceeding based on available information, photographs, marketing materials, and disclosures provided by Seller or Seller's agents. Buyer accepts the increased risk inherent in purchasing sight unseen and agrees Buyer has the sole responsibility to complete all investigations permitted by this Rider.

Buyer Initials:

Inspections and Due Diligence

Buyer shall have an inspection contingency period of calendar days measured from the Effective Date of the Purchase Agreement to complete all inspections, studies and investigations of the Property, including but not limited to structural, mechanical, environmental, pest, roof, and systems inspections. Buyer shall provide Seller written notice of termination or requested repairs within the inspection period. If Buyer timely terminates, earnest money shall be returned in accordance with the Purchase Agreement.

Inspection Access Authorization

Condition, Disclosures and Seller Representations

Seller represents that Seller shall provide to Buyer, within the timeframes required by the Purchase Agreement, all known written disclosures regarding the Property. Except as expressly set forth in Seller's written disclosures, Seller makes no other representations or warranties regarding the Property's condition. Buyer acknowledges Seller's disclosure obligations may be limited by Seller's actual knowledge and that Buyer may rely on inspections and third-party reports obtained during the inspection period.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Provided? Yes No

Material Defects Known by Seller? Yes No If Yes, describe:

Financing, Appraisal and Contingencies

Financing Contingency waived? Yes No

Appraisal Contingency waived? Yes No

If Buyer waives appraisal or financing contingencies and the loan or appraisal condition is not satisfied, Buyer remains obligated to close unless Buyer validly terminates in accordance with the Purchase Agreement and this Rider.

Risk Allocation; "As-Is" Purchase

Except for Seller's written disclosures and Seller's express representations set forth in the Purchase Agreement, Buyer accepts the Property in its present condition and agrees that Seller shall not be liable for defects not intentionally concealed by Seller. Buyer acknowledges Buyer may discover conditions that materially affect value or habitability and that Buyer bears the risk of such conditions unless Buyer timely exercises termination rights under the inspection contingency or other applicable contingencies.

Buyer Initials:

Default, Remedies and Indemnity

Remedies for default by either party shall be governed by the Purchase Agreement. In addition to other remedies, if Buyer defaults after waiving applicable contingencies, Buyer may forfeit earnest money. Buyer and Seller agree to indemnify and hold each other harmless from claims arising out of breach of this Rider or negligent acts in performance of inspection access obligations, except to the extent caused by the indemnitee's own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

HOA / Common Interest Community

Is the Property subject to an association governing documents? Yes No

HOA Documents Provided? Yes No If provided, Date Delivered:

Additional Terms

Governing Law; Entire Agreement

This Rider shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Property is located. This Rider, together with the Purchase Agreement and any other executed addenda, constitutes the entire agreement between Buyer and Seller with respect to the matters contained herein and supersedes any prior oral or written negotiations or agreements with respect to the subject matter of this Rider.

Execution of this Rider may be accomplished in counterparts and by electronic or facsimile signature, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Buyer Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Seller Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What the Sight Unseen Purchase Rider Is

A Sight Unseen Purchase Rider is a contract addendum attached to a real estate purchase agreement that documents a buyer's agreement to accept the property without a pre-closing physical inspection or walkthrough. It identifies the specific waivers, contingencies preserved or removed, and any seller disclosures relied upon by the buyer. The rider clarifies allocation of risk, any negotiated price adjustments, and the scope of post-closing remedies (if any). Parties use it to record mutual expectations when a buyer cannot visit the property in person before closing.

Why a Sight Unseen Purchase Rider Matters

A clear rider reduces ambiguity about inspection rights, repairs, and who bears risk for unseen defects. It preserves the contractual choices of buyer and seller while documenting negotiated offsets or protections in the purchase paperwork.

Who Typically Uses This Rider

Buyers who cannot attend a property showing and sellers or listing agents arranging remote closings commonly use this rider.

Out-of-state buyers who rely on inspections by agents or third-party inspectors instead of personal visits.
Investor buyers acquiring properties at auction or via assignment without in-person access.
Sellers and listing agents documenting buyer acknowledgements to reduce post-closing disputes.

Real estate attorneys, title companies, and lenders review the rider to confirm it aligns with financing, title insurance, and closing requirements.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Rider

A complete Sight Unseen Purchase Rider sets expectations, preserves required disclosures, and identifies any retained contingencies so the purchase agreement remains enforceable and clear to title and closing parties.

Property ID

Full legal description and street address of the property, plus parcel or assessor ID when available, to ensure the rider attaches to the correct asset and title work.

Inspection Waiver

Explicit language stating which inspections the buyer waives, the scope of the waiver, and whether any inspections were performed by agents or third parties acting for the buyer.

Seller Disclosures

A statement that required seller disclosures were provided and acknowledged, listing which statutory or contract disclosures apply and whether the buyer reviewed them remotely.

Repairs and Credits

If seller agrees to repairs or credits in lieu of repairs, the rider must describe the scope, dollar limits, timelines, and whether escrow holdbacks will be used.

Risk Allocation

Clauses allocating risk of physical condition, casualty between signing and closing, and responsibility for insuring the property during the interim period.

Financing and Title

Confirmation of any lender or title conditions affected by the sight-unseen acceptance and required actions if financing or title objections arise.

Step-by-Step: Adding a Sight Unseen Rider to a Purchase Agreement

Follow these steps in order to attach, complete, and circulate the rider so title and closing parties can proceed without misunderstandings.

01

Prepare Rider: Draft rider with property ID and waiver scope.
02

Confirm Disclosures: Attach seller disclosures and buyer acknowledgements.
03

Obtain Signatures: Collect signatures from buyer and seller, plus agent attestations.
04

Deliver to Closing: Send completed rider to title company and lender.

Setting Up an Online Workflow for the Rider

Configure a digital workflow so the rider routes correctly to buyer, seller, and closing agents and is preserved with the purchase agreement.

Upload Document	Add the rider as a PDF attached to the purchase agreement.
Place Fields	Add signature, date, and initial fields where required.
Define Signers	Set buyer, seller, and agent roles in signing order.
Authentication	Choose email, SMS code, or stronger ID verification.
Confirm Copy	Ensure each signer receives a signed PDF and audit trail.

Where the Rider Goes After It’s Signed

After execution, the rider should be routed to the same parties that receive the purchase agreement and to any entities relying on closing documents.

Buyer: Keeps an executed copy for records and financing.
Seller: Retains copy for closing and dispute resolution.
Title Company: Uses the rider to clear exceptions and issue commitments.
Lender: Reviews rider for underwriting and closing conditions.

Digital Delivery and Signing Considerations

Use a platform that preserves a full audit trail and supports secure signer authentication for remote signings.

Audit Trail: Capture timestamps, IP, and signer events.
Authentication: Support email, SMS, or advanced ID methods.
Integrations: Connect to MLS, title, or document storage.

Typical Deadlines and Timing Expectations

Contract timelines vary by agreement; use the rider to confirm any shortened or extended inspection and contingency deadlines caused by remote execution.

Inspection Contingency Deadline:

Specify the calendar date or number of days to complete inspections and submit objections.

Closing Date:

Confirm whether the closing date changes due to remote acceptance or remains the original contract date.

Financing Contingency:

State the deadline for loan approval or waiver and any impacts of delayed appraisals.

Title Objection Period:

Indicate how many days the buyer has to object to title commitments.

Document Delivery Timing:

Set timeframes for delivering executed rider copies to title and lender.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Using ambiguous waiver language that fails to specify which inspections or remedies remain available can lead to disputes.
Failing to attach required seller disclosures or failing to confirm remote access to them creates enforceability and financing issues.
Not coordinating rider language with lender or title company requirements can delay closing or trigger additional conditions.
Collecting signatures without a verifiable audit trail or adequate authentication may cause a lender or insurer to reject the document.

Potential Consequences of an Incorrect Rider

Contract Breach: Damages or termination.

Deposit Forfeiture: Buyer may lose earnest money.

Title Exceptions: Issues that impede closing.

Lender Refusal: Loan conditions may fail.

Insurance Denial: Coverage disputes on unseen defects.

Litigation Risk: Costly dispute resolution.

Typical eSignature Vendor Comparison for Completing the Rider

Platforms vary by price, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, HIPAA support, and envelope limits; signNow appears first to reflect available plan details and features.

	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 trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sight Unseen Purchase Rider

Answers to common practical and process questions when preparing, signing, or delivering a Sight Unseen Purchase Rider in the United States.

Need help? Contact support

Can this rider be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally recognized under the ESIGN Act and state UETA laws for most transactions. Confirm that parties consent to electronic records and that the chosen platform produces an audit trail and retains the signed record.
Do lenders accept sight unseen riders?
Some lenders accept them but may impose additional underwriting conditions, appraisal requirements, or inspections before funding. Always notify the lender early and obtain written confirmation of acceptability.
Is notarization required for the rider?
Notarization is not universally required for every rider, but related real estate conveyances or recorded documents typically need notarized acknowledgements. Check the title company and local recording office requirements.
What if a buyer later finds undisclosed defects?
Remedies depend on the rider’s language and preserved contingencies. If warranties or indemnities are limited, buyer claims may be restricted; consult legal counsel for dispute options.
Who should review the rider before signing?
Have buyer and seller legal counsel, the title company, and lender (if applicable) review for consistency with closing conditions, insurance and title commitments, and financing requirements.
How to correct errors found after signing?
Most corrections require a written amendment signed by all parties or a replacement rider executed by all signatories. Avoid unilateral edits; preserve audit trails for any re-executed documents.

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