What is a California Real Estate Contract?
A real estate contract in California, often referred to as a real estate purchase and sale agreement, is a contract that is executed by a party selling a property and a party who is offering to purchase the property.
The contract is initiated when the buyer makes an offer. Once the seller accepts the offer and the terms of the contract are negotiated, the parties will sign the contract making it legally binding and enforceable.
Common California Real Estate Contracts
There are several types of real estate contracts that can be used in California. The three most popular contracts are:
- Purchase agreement. The most common type of real estate contract that is used for the transfer of property between a buyer and a seller.
- Real estate assignment contract. Used when purchasing “distressed properties” as a wholesale investment strategy. This contract allows the buyer to assign the contract to a second buyer.
- Lease agreement. Used when a landlord wants to rent their property to a tenant for use in exchange for a monthly rent.
4 Essential Elements of a California Real Estate Contract
All contracts must include specific essential elements to be valid and legal. In California, a real estate contract must have the following four essential elements:
- The contract must be executed by parties who are legally capable of entering a contract
- There must be mutual consent
- The contract must have a lawful objective
- The terms must include consideration (an exchange of things of value)
If the real estate contract is missing any of these elements, it will be deemed invalid and will not be legally enforceable under California law.
What Must Be Included in a California Real Estate Contract?
A California real estate contract lays out the terms and conditions surrounding the purchase of real property. This contract should include the following essential information:
- Purchase price. One of the most important parts of a real estate contract is the negotiated purchase price that the buyer has agreed to pay the seller.
- Closing date. This is the date that the sale is finalized and when payment must be made for the property. The timeframe for a closing date is usually 30 to 60 days out from signing the real estate contract.
- Agent commissions. Most buyers and sellers hire real estate agents to help facilitate the sale of the property. Both agents are entitled to commissions in this process.
- Earnest money deposit. The deposit made by the buyer when the contract is signed to show the seller they are committed to purchasing the property. In California, the standard deposit is 1%-3% of the total purchase price.
- Contingencies. Contingencies are the conditions that must be met by either the buyer or the seller to complete the deal. Common contingencies include the buyer selling their previous home or the home passing a home inspection.
- Contingency removal period. The date that contingencies will be removed to show that the buyer intends to close escrow.
- Disclosure requirements. Disclosures are conditions about the property that could lower the property value that the seller must reveal to the buyer before closing the sale. California requires 12 different disclosures that must be included in the real estate contract.
Do Real Estate Contracts Have to Be in Writing in California?
Yes. Real estate contracts in California must be in writing. In California, the Statute of Frauds governs which contracts must be in writing and which contracts are valid as oral agreements. Under this law, any contract used to purchase or sell land must be in writing. In addition, any property lease lasting for more than one year must also be in writing.
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Meet some of our California Real Estate Contract Lawyers
Benjamin W.
I am a California-barred attorney specializing in business contracting needs. My areas of expertise include contract law, corporate formation, employment law, including independent contractor compliance, regulatory compliance and licensing, and general corporate law. I truly enjoy getting to know my clients, whether they are big businesses, small start-ups looking to launch, or individuals needing legal guidance. Some of my recent projects include: -drafting business purchase and sale agreements -drafting independent contractor agreements -creating influencer agreements -creating compliance policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries -drafting service contracts -advising on CA legality of hiring gig workers including effects of Prop 22 and AB5 -forming LLCs -drafting terms of service and privacy policies -reviewing employment contracts I received my JD from UCLA School of Law and have been practicing for over five years in this area. I’m an avid reader and writer and believe those skills have served me well in my practice. I also complete continuing education courses regularly to ensure I am up-to-date on best practices for my clients. I pride myself on providing useful and accurate legal advice without complex and confusing jargon. I look forward to learning about your specific needs and helping you to accomplish your goals. Please reach out to learn more about my process and see if we are a good fit!
Rebecca S.
I absolutely love helping my clients buy their first home, sell their starters, upgrade to their next big adventure, or transition to their next phase of life. The confidence my clients have going into a transaction and through the whole process is one of the most rewarding aspects of practicing this type of law. My very first class in law school was property law, and let me tell you, this was like nothing I’d ever experienced. I remember vividly cracking open that big red book and staring at the pages not having the faintest idea what I was actually reading. Despite those initial scary moments, I grew to love property law. My obsession with real estate law was solidified when I was working in Virginia at a law firm outside DC. I ran the settlement (escrow) department and learned the ins and outs of transactions and the unique needs of the parties. My husband and I bought our first home in Virginia in 2012 and despite being an attorney, there was so much we didn’t know, especially when it came to our HOA and our mortgage. Our real estate agent was a wonderful resource for finding our home and negotiating some of the key terms, but there was something missing in the process. I’ve spent the last 10 years helping those who were in the same situation we were in better understand the process.
Benjamin E.
Benjamin is an attorney specializing in Business, Intellectual Property, Employment and Real Estate.
March 5, 2021
Adam B.
With over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, I am a strategic business counsel, outsourced general counsel, and a leader of high-performing legal teams aimed to help maximize the efficiency of all stakeholders. I recently joined the renewable energy space with the addition of a new client on its way to becoming the first Chinese battery company to build a battery manufacturing presence in the US beginning with a 1+ GWh cell and pack plant, and a domestic anode and cathode plant. In my most recent full-time role, I served as the Sr. Director and Assistant General Counsel at SMART Global Holdings, where I served as the general counsel for the HPC and AI division of this publicly traded holding company, comprised of four companies, before becoming the global head of the commercial legal function across all portfolio companies, including two multinational industry leaders. During much of my career, I provided outside legal services on a recurring basis for several years advising several high growth start-ups and venture firms as well as house hold names, and also led one of the country's fastest growing infrastructure resellers and managed services providers. My core competencies include contract review, commercial negotiation, legal operations, information security, privacy, supply chain and procurement, alliances and channel sales, HR, and general corporate. I am passionate about leveraging my legal skills to achieve business solutions, supporting innovation and growth in the technology sector, and helping maximize the commercial flow and efficiency at growing companies. I hold an undergraduate business degree, a JD, a MSBA Taxation, and certifications from the California Bar Association, Six Sigma, and ISM.
June 28, 2021
Joshua C.
Attorney Joshua K. S. Cali is a respected business, estate planning, and real estate attorney based in Ashland serving Middlesex County and other nearby areas. Joshua graduated summa cum laude from Bentley University in Waltham, MA, and from UCLA School of Law in Los Angeles. Before starting his own firm, Joshua practiced estate planning for high net worth clients at a boutique law firm in San Diego, CA.
July 29, 2021
Stanley K.
Stan provides legal services to small to medium-sized clients in the New England region, and throughout the U.S. and abroad. His clients are involved in a variety of business sectors, including software development, e-commerce, investment management and advising, health care, manufacturing, biotechnology, telecommunications, retailing, and consulting and other services. Stan focuses on the unique needs of each of his clients, and seeks to establish long term relationships with them by providing timely, highly professional services and practical business judgment. Each client's objectives, business and management styles are carefully considered to help him provide more focused and relevant services. Stan also acts as an outsourced general counsel for some of his clients for the general management of their legal function, including the establishment of budgets, creation of internal compliance procedures, and the oversight of litigation or other outside legal services.
July 30, 2021
Sam W.
Sam Widdoes has practiced law in California since 2014. He began his career as a litigation associate at a boutique firm in Los Angeles, and founded a production development company with a partner in 2017. Since then, Sam has served as the head of business and legal affairs at District 33, while working hand-in-hand with writers, directors and actors to develop, pitch and produce scripted and unscripted content. In that role, Sam produced the documentary series BLACKBALLED for Quibi/Roku, and will produce the upcoming documentary feature AS WE SPEAK directed by J.M. Harper for Paramount+/MTV, and the doc series THE BLACK BOX for MRC and XYZ Films. He is also the executive producer of an upcoming limited series with CBS TV starring Judith Light and Noah Wyle called SHADOWS IN THE VINEYARD, and a feature comedy for Spyglass Entertainment, among other projects. In early 2022, Sam opened WIDDOES LAW, APC, after recognizing a need for experienced legal services in the unscripted and documentary spaces. Since opening his own practice, Sam has advised producers, editors, directors and rights holders on a variety of agreement negotiations, including option purchase contracts, collaboration agreements and documentary producer deals. Sam also serves as production counsel for several documentary features, series and short films, and will draft, negotiate and advise on all legal aspects of the projects, including financing, production and distribution. Sam earned his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 2013, where he graduated on the Dean's List and as a member of the Society of Trial Advocates. He holds a BA in journalism from the University of Richmond, and sits on the Board of Trustees at Turning Point School in Culver City, California. Sam is passionate about quality storytelling, and supporting those with the vision and drive to share their stories with the world.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowReal Estate
Real Estate Contract
Illinois
what is better to buy land or rent for construction in US?
we are a construction company from Ukraine, we are planning to build a cottage town in the USA
T. Phillip B.
I suppose it doesn't matter if you have the lease giving you permission and the lease is long enough to justify the building expense when you won't own it. But I'd buy the land so you could eventually sell the property with the building on it.
Real Estate
Real Estate Contract
Georgia
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES TO PERFORM QUIT CLAIM DEED COMPLETE BUTTS COUNTY GEORGIA 30233
SON AND EX
Meghan T.
Hi. The cost for my practice to prepare a Quit Claim Deed is $99. The Cost for me to handle the closing is $250 plus recording fees. These costs apply for any county within the state of Georgia. Let me know if you have any more questions. Meghan K Thomas
Real Estate
Real Estate Contract
Georgia
How many years does a quick claim become effective?s
Number of years for quick claim to be effect ive
Meghan T.
A quit claim deed is effective upon execution so long as the deed is dated as of the date of signature. Execution means that the deed is signed, in front of a witness and a notary. The witness and notary must also sign the deed. Finally, the deed must be recorded. This means that the deed must be submitted to the Superior Court recording office of the County in which the property sits. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Meghan K Thomas
Real Estate
Real Estate Contract
New York
Can you purchase or refinance under a land contract?
I’ve been living here for 2 years. Currently have been working with my credit union and they are having a terrible time trying to understand the legalities of my land contract first off, and secondly they just don’t seem to know what they are doing. It’s been over 8 months, 4 different loan officers and I’m once again waiting for someone else to help finish this thing out. It’s only $60,000 with a $120,000 appraisal. So, as of now I am stuck paying 2.5x monthly under this land contract than I was promised would be an easy mortgage process. So any guidance in the right direction would be very helpful. It’s a New York home. 20 yr fixed, no balloon, with a (brace yourself) 12% apr. HELP ME PLEASE! One month I’m being told to authorize a credit check for a first time homebuyer grant method of mortgaging this property. The next it’s authorizing it for a refinance. I do have earnest money deposits for over $3,000 and another $3000 paid towards principal under this land contract also.
Jane C.
I suggest you speak with a New York real estate attorney. That attorney needs to review the documents related to the transaction.
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