What Does Contract Signed Mean In Real Estate? Meaning & Example

What Does Contract Signed Mean In Real Estate? Meaning & Example

In real estate, the term “contract signed” or “under contract” refers to the stage where a buyer and seller have both agreed to the terms of a property sale and have signed a legal document, known as a real estate contract or purchase agreement, to formalize this agreement. This contract outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including details about the buyer, seller, property, price, and any contingencies or conditions that must be met before the sale can be finalized.

In real estate, when a property is “under contract,” it means that the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer to purchase their home. However, the home is not considered sold until all contingencies on the property are met. Contingencies are conditions that must be fulfilled before the sale can be completed, such as financing, home inspection, appraisal, and home sale contingencies.

If the deal falls through, backup offers may be considered. It is important for buyers and sellers to understand the meaning and implications of a contract signed in real estate transactions.

Key Takeaways:

• A property is considered “under contract” when the seller accepts an offer from a buyer.
• Contingencies must be met before the sale is finalized, such as financing, home inspection, appraisal, and home sale contingencies.
• If the deal falls through, backup offers may be considered.
• Understanding the implications of a contract signed is crucial for both buyers and sellers.
• Consulting a real estate attorney can help navigate any legal considerations.

Contingencies in Real Estate Contracts

In real estate transactions, the contract signing process involves the negotiation and execution of a real estate purchase agreement. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, closing date, and other important details. However, real estate contracts often include contingencies that must be met before the sale can be finalized.

One common contingency is the financing contingency. This gives the buyer a specified amount of time to secure the necessary financing to purchase the property. If the buyer is unable to obtain financing within the agreed-upon timeframe, they may have the option to back out of the contract without any penalties.

Another important contingency is the home inspection contingency. This allows the buyer to hire a professional home inspector to assess the condition of the property. If the inspection reveals any major issues, the buyer may request repairs or negotiate a lower purchase price based on the findings. If an agreement cannot be reached, the buyer may have the right to terminate the contract.

Additionally, there may be contingencies related to the sale of the buyer’s existing home. If the buyer needs to sell their current property in order to finance the purchase of the new one, a home sale contingency might be included in the contract. This contingency gives the buyer a certain amount of time to sell their home. If they are unable to do so, they may be able to back out of the contract.

Understanding these contingencies is crucial for both buyers and sellers during the contract negotiation process. Buyers need to be aware of their rights and options if the contingencies are not met, while sellers must understand the potential risks and implications of accepting an offer with contingencies.

Contingencies in Real Estate Contracts

By understanding these contingencies and their implications, both buyers and sellers can navigate the contract signing process with confidence and ensure a successful real estate transaction.

Difference Between “Under Contract” and “Pending Sale”

In the world of real estate, the terms “under contract” and “pending sale” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two. Understanding these differences is essential for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market.

Under Contract: When a property is listed as “under contract,” it means that the buyer and seller have signed a purchase agreement. However, the sale is not yet final as there are still contingencies that need to be fulfilled. These contingencies could include financing, home inspections, or other conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. During this stage, the property is still considered active in real estate listings, and backup offers may be accepted.

Pending Sale: On the other hand, when a property is listed as “pending sale,” it signifies that most of the contingencies have been addressed and the closing process is nearing completion. At this stage, the sale is almost certain to proceed, and the property is no longer actively listed in real estate listings. While backup offers may still be considered, the likelihood of acquiring the property is significantly lower compared to when it is under contract.

Table: Differences Between “Under Contract” and “Pending Sale”

Understanding the difference between “under contract” and “pending sale” is important for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it provides insight into the level of competition they may face for a particular property. For sellers, it helps them gauge the likelihood of completing the sale and the potential for backup offers. Keeping these distinctions in mind can help all parties involved navigate the real estate process with greater clarity and confidence.

Backing Out of a Sale and Legal Considerations

Buyers have the option to back out of a real estate sale if certain circumstances arise that make them reconsider their decision. These circumstances could include low appraisals, unexpected inspection issues, difficulties in securing financing, or the inability to sell their existing property. However, it is crucial for buyers to be aware that backing out of a real estate contract can have legal and financial consequences.

When a buyer breaches a real estate contract by backing out of a sale, they may be exposed to potential lawsuits from the seller. The seller may seek damages for any costs incurred due to the failed transaction, such as lost time, marketing expenses, or even the difference in sale price if they have to sell the property at a lower value. Additionally, buyers who back out of a sale may also risk losing their earnest money, which is the deposit made to demonstrate their serious intent to purchase the property.

On the other hand, sellers also have responsibilities in a real estate transaction. They must disclose any major issues or defects with the property to potential buyers. Failure to disclose such information can result in legal consequences for the seller. Buyers have the right to be informed about the property’s condition and any potential risks associated with it. If a seller fails to disclose important details, the buyer may have grounds to back out of the sale without facing legal repercussions.

Given the potential legal implications, it is advisable for both buyers and sellers to seek guidance from a real estate attorney when considering backing out of a sale or when dealing with contractual issues. A real estate attorney can provide expert advice based on local laws and regulations, ensuring that both parties are protected and understand the implications of their actions.

Moreover, consulting with a real estate attorney can help in resolving any conflicts or disputes that may arise during the transaction, helping to protect the interests of all parties involved.