Below are some of the decisions that you may face when either writing or receiving a contract.

A contract (and all modifications) must be in writing and signed.  Both husband and wife must sign
for community property to be obligated.

"Offer" is an expression of a willingness to enter into an agreement.  May be withdrawn anytime before
acceptance

"Acceptance" is a manifestation of assent to terms of an offer.  Any change to the terms becomes a
counteroffer (and the original offer is rejected). An offer that has been accepted cannot be withdrawn.

"Consideration" may be earnest money (most widely used), "for $10 and other valuable consideration" or a
promise for a promise.

"Sufficient Specificity" contains all the parties legal rights and obligations regarding the transaction, must
be clear and  contain all the terms of the transaction.

Parties - identify the buyer and the seller. Both should be adults (18 or older) and competent.

Property Description - Identifies the property - ideally, the legal description

Fixtures and Personal Property - In addition to identifying the land, all personal property to be conveyed and
any fixtures that could be an issue need to be identified.

Purchase Price - The terms of payment and the amount of the purchase price, earnest money, down
payment and any financing contingency should be specified

Close of escrow - After all the papers have been signed, monies exchanged and the deed has been
recorded.  Both parties will likely make significant plans based upon the close of escrow date.

Contingencies - a clause that requires the completion of a certain act before the parties are obligated to
perform their contractual obligations - such as a mortgage loan or a successful close of escrow on the
sale of another home.
welcome to:
Pat Pryor
ERA The Realty Group
Contracts
A valid contract must include an offer,
acceptance, consideration and sufficient
specificity