Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Real Estate Purchase Agreement
I need a real estate purchase agreement for a residential property valued at $500,000, with a 30-day closing period, 10% earnest money deposit, and contingencies for financing and home inspection.
What is a Real Estate Purchase Agreement?
A Real Estate Purchase Agreement is a binding contract between a buyer and seller that details all the terms of a property sale. It spells out the agreed purchase price, closing date, and any specific conditions that must be met before the sale can be completed.
The agreement protects both parties by putting everything in writing - from the earnest money deposit and financing details to property inspections and disclosed defects. It becomes legally enforceable once both parties sign, and state laws require certain key elements to be included for the contract to be valid. Most buyers and sellers work with real estate agents and attorneys to ensure the agreement meets all legal requirements.
When should you use a Real Estate Purchase Agreement?
Use a Real Estate Purchase Agreement any time you're buying or selling property - from homes and condos to commercial buildings and vacant land. This vital contract protects both parties from the moment you've agreed on a price through the final closing day.
Having this agreement in place becomes especially important when dealing with property contingencies, like needing to sell your current home first, or when specific repairs must be completed. It's also essential when working with mortgage lenders, who require a signed purchase agreement before approving your loan. The sooner you get this agreement in writing, the smoother your transaction will go.
What are the different types of Real Estate Purchase Agreement?
- Purchase Sale Contract: Standard comprehensive agreement for residential home sales, covering all essential terms and conditions
- Simple Land Purchase Agreement: Streamlined version for basic vacant land transactions with fewer contingencies
- Land Purchase Agreement Form: Detailed template specifically for raw land sales, including zoning and development rights
- Letter Of Offer To Purchase Property: Initial offer document that can evolve into a full purchase agreement
- Option Agreement Residential Property: Gives buyer exclusive right to purchase within a specified timeframe
Who should typically use a Real Estate Purchase Agreement?
- Buyers and Sellers: The main parties who sign the Real Estate Purchase Agreement and are legally bound by its terms
- Real Estate Agents: Help negotiate terms, prepare offers, and guide clients through the agreement process
- Real Estate Attorneys: Review and modify agreements, ensure legal compliance, and protect their clients' interests
- Title Companies: Handle escrow accounts, verify property ownership, and facilitate the closing process
- Mortgage Lenders: Review purchase agreements as part of loan approval and underwriting requirements
- Home Inspectors: Perform inspections specified in the agreement's contingency clauses
How do you write a Real Estate Purchase Agreement?
- Property Details: Gather complete legal description, address, and tax parcel number from county records
- Price Terms: Document purchase price, earnest money amount, and financing details
- Party Information: Collect legal names and contact details for all buyers, sellers, and their agents
- Timeline Elements: Set clear dates for inspections, financing contingencies, and closing
- Property Condition: List known defects, included fixtures, and required repairs
- Special Terms: Note any unique conditions like seller rent-back or specific contingencies
- Legal Requirements: Check state-specific disclosure requirements and required clauses
What should be included in a Real Estate Purchase Agreement?
- Property Description: Legal description, address, and included fixtures/improvements
- Purchase Price: Total amount, payment terms, and earnest money details
- Party Information: Legal names and signatures of all buyers and sellers
- Closing Terms: Date, location, and specific conditions for transfer of title
- Contingencies: Financing, inspection, and appraisal requirements
- Property Disclosures: Known defects, environmental issues, and required state disclosures
- Default Provisions: Consequences for breach and available remedies
- Title Requirements: Specifications for clear title and title insurance
What's the difference between a Real Estate Purchase Agreement and a Real Estate Sale Contract?
A Real Estate Purchase Agreement often gets confused with a Real Estate Sale Contract, but they serve different purposes in property transactions. Here are the key differences:
- Timing and Purpose: A Purchase Agreement typically comes first, outlining the initial terms and conditions of the sale, while a Sale Contract represents the final, more detailed agreement used at closing
- Level of Detail: Purchase Agreements contain basic terms and contingencies, whereas Sale Contracts include complete legal descriptions, detailed financing terms, and specific closing requirements
- Flexibility: Purchase Agreements often allow for negotiation and modifications through contingencies, while Sale Contracts are more rigid and final
- Legal Weight: Both are binding, but Purchase Agreements usually include exit clauses through contingencies, while Sale Contracts represent the final, unchangeable commitment to transfer property
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.