Can the contract be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures on real estate purchase contracts are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws where adopted. Ensure consumer-facing disclosures and any required consent are handled per ESIGN, and confirm the platform provides an audit trail for attribution and retention.

Is notarization required for the contract itself?

Typically no. A purchase contract generally does not require notarization to be binding. Notarization is required for instruments to be recorded (for example, deeds). Check specific lender or title requirements and state notary/RON rules for any optional acknowledgements.

What if earnest money is not deposited on time?

Failure to timely deliver earnest money may be a contract default and can allow seller remedies or termination; review the contract’s timelines and earnest money clause and document any late deposit communications to mitigate disputes.

How do I amend terms after execution?

Use a written amendment or addendum signed by all parties. Oral modifications are risky. Amendments should mirror original execution formalities and be retained with the contract to preserve enforceability.

Who should I contact about title exceptions?

Notify the title company and the seller promptly. Title exceptions may require seller cure, negotiation of a credit, or an endorsement; document communications and any agreed resolution in writing before closing.

How long must I keep the executed contract?

Retain the executed contract for the document lifecycle needed to manage tax and title risk: at least three years for IRS purposes (IRC §6501(a)) and commonly seven years for real estate post-closing risk management; industry or state rules may require longer retention.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Sales
Texas Real Estate Commission Residential Sales Contract

Texas Real Estate Commission Residential Sales Contract

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

What the Texas Real Estate Commission Residential Sales Contract Is

The Texas Real Estate Commission Residential Sales Contract is the standardized purchase agreement promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) for most residential real estate transactions in Texas. It documents the parties, property description, sale price, financing terms, earnest money, title and survey requirements, inspections, repairs, closing procedures, and numerous optional addenda. Brokers and attorneys commonly use TREC forms to reduce drafting variation and ensure consistent disclosures. The contract is a binding written agreement between buyer and seller once executed according to applicable law and the parties' stated conditions.

Why this TREC Contract Matters in Texas Transactions

Using the TREC Residential Sales Contract streamlines negotiations, clarifies responsibilities, and aligns with common title and closing workflows in Texas. Its standardized clauses address financing contingencies, inspections, title delivery, and closing timelines, reducing ambiguity and supporting timely closings.

Who Commonly Prepares and Signs This Contract

The TREC Residential Sales Contract is used throughout the residential real estate ecosystem in Texas.

Buyers and buyer agents review financing, inspection, and occupancy terms and coordinate earnest money deposits and lender conditions.
Sellers and listing agents complete property disclosures, agree price and possession terms, and deliver title-related items to the title company.
Title companies, escrow officers, and lenders receive the executed contract to open title, order searches, and coordinate closing logistics.

Signatory Roles and Authority

Buyer — Signer

A buyer (or authorized buyer representative) signs to accept contract terms and to obligate the buyer to purchase subject to any contingencies. If the buyer is an entity, the signer must have authority to bind the entity; mismatched or unauthorized signatures can void enforcement.

Seller — Signer

A seller (or authorized signatory) signs to agree to transfer ownership subject to the contract conditions. Sellers should confirm identification and authorization, and coordinate delivery of required disclosures and title documents through the title company.

Core Sections to Review Carefully

The contract is organized into standardized sections; focus on the clauses that most frequently affect closing and post-closing obligations.

Property Description

Legal description, street address, and parcel identifiers must match title documents; errors create closing delays or title objections and may require corrective instruments.

Price & Financing

Sale price, seller financing terms if any, and buyer financing conditions (including application deadlines) determine whether the buyer must proceed or terminate under financing contingencies.

Earnest Money

Amount, deposit deadlines, recipient (title or escrow), and release conditions should be explicit to avoid disputes over forfeiture or return on contract termination.

Title & Survey

Title commitment delivery, exceptions, and survey requirements define what defects must be cured prior to closing and who pays for corrective actions.

Inspections & Repairs

Inspection periods, response deadlines, and repair obligations specify seller remedies and buyer termination rights if significant defects are discovered.

Closing & Possession

Closing date, prorations, possession timing, and escrow instructions coordinate when ownership and occupancy transfer and who pays closing costs.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Contract

Follow a clear sequence to prepare, review, and execute the TREC contract to reduce rework and meet deadlines.

01

Prepare: Gather property, parties, and financing data.
02

Draft: Complete TREC form fields and select addenda.
03

Review: Confirm figures, dates, and signatures with all parties.
04

Execute: Exchange signed copies and deliver earnest money.

How to Configure an Online Completion Workflow

Use a structured digital workflow to place fields, set signer order, and attach required addenda before sending for signatures.

Field	Configuration
Document Template	Use the official TREC form PDF or DOCX as the base template
Signer Order	Set buyer then seller or simultaneous signing per transaction needs
Required Fields	Mark names, prices, dates, initials, and signature fields as mandatory
Notifications	Enable automatic reminders and completion certificates for audit trail

Where Executed Contracts Typically Flow

After execution, route the contract and supporting documents to the parties who need them to open title, approve financing, and schedule closing.

To Title Company: Open title file and order commitment
To Lender: Complete loan conditions and lock interest rate
To Broker Files: Retain executed contract in brokerage transaction file
To Escrow: Deliver earnest money and escrow instructions

Digital Signing and System Compatibility

Confirm required file formats, signer authentication options, and integration touchpoints before sending documents for signature.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA options

Common Contract Deadlines and What They Mean

Key date fields govern inspection, financing, and closing rights. Track each deadline in calendar and transaction management tools.

Earnest Money Deadline:

Deposit due by the date specified in the contract to satisfy the contract condition.

Option/Inspection Period:

Buyer’s inspection period and termination rights end on the option expiration date.

Financing Approval Deadline:

Deadline to deliver lender approval or remove financing contingency.

Title Commitment Delivery:

Seller must provide title commitment by the date stated in the contract.

Closing Date:

Date when parties complete funding, sign closing documents, and record the deed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using an incorrect legal description or parcel number that does not match title records, causing title objections and delays.
Leaving signature blocks unsigned or dated inconsistently, which can render the contract unenforceable or require re-execution.
Failing to deposit earnest money per the contract schedule, exposing the depositor to breach claims or loss of funds.
Overlooking required seller disclosures or failing to attach mandatory addenda, risking post-closing disputes or statutory penalties.

Consequences of Incomplete or Incorrect Contracts

Contract Breach: Damages or specific performance claims

Earnest Money: Forfeiture or contested return

Title Defects: Delay or cure costs

Financing Failure: Buyer termination or liability

Missing Disclosures: Statutory penalties or rescission

Authentication Errors: Signature validity disputes

Supporting Documents and Export Options

Assemble and share supporting documents alongside the executed contract in common formats so title, lender, and brokers can process the file efficiently.

Title Commitment

Provide the title commitment PDF and any exceptions that affect marketable title prior to closing to allow timely cures.

Seller Disclosures

Attach property condition and required statutory disclosures; retain copies in broker file for compliance.

Survey and HOA Documents

Include current survey or plat and HOA resale certificates where applicable; these affect title and possession conditions.

Export Formats

Save and share signed files as searchable PDF or DOCX to preserve text, enable indexing, and maintain audit trails.

Key Transaction Milestones from Offer to Recording

Monitor these sequential milestones to ensure each party meets obligations that move the transaction toward a successful closing and recording.

01

Offer Submitted

Contract executed by buyer and seller, earnest money instructed

02

Inspection/Option Period

Buyer completes inspections and issues repair requests or termination

03

Financing Approval

Lender clears conditions and issues loan approval

04

Closing & Recording

Funding occurs, deed delivered, and deed recorded in public records

Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Answers

Answers to common practical and legal questions about completing, signing, and enforcing the TREC Residential Sales Contract in Texas.

Need help? Contact support

Can the contract be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures on real estate purchase contracts are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws where adopted. Ensure consumer-facing disclosures and any required consent are handled per ESIGN, and confirm the platform provides an audit trail for attribution and retention.
Is notarization required for the contract itself?
Typically no. A purchase contract generally does not require notarization to be binding. Notarization is required for instruments to be recorded (for example, deeds). Check specific lender or title requirements and state notary/RON rules for any optional acknowledgements.
What if earnest money is not deposited on time?
Failure to timely deliver earnest money may be a contract default and can allow seller remedies or termination; review the contract’s timelines and earnest money clause and document any late deposit communications to mitigate disputes.
How do I amend terms after execution?
Use a written amendment or addendum signed by all parties. Oral modifications are risky. Amendments should mirror original execution formalities and be retained with the contract to preserve enforceability.
Who should I contact about title exceptions?
Notify the title company and the seller promptly. Title exceptions may require seller cure, negotiation of a credit, or an endorsement; document communications and any agreed resolution in writing before closing.
How long must I keep the executed contract?
Retain the executed contract for the document lifecycle needed to manage tax and title risk: at least three years for IRS purposes (IRC §6501(a)) and commonly seven years for real estate post-closing risk management; industry or state rules may require longer retention.

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