Maine Real Estate Contract: Different Types and Key Terms to Include
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What is a Maine Real Estate Contract?
A real estate contract in Maine is an agreement made between a buyer and seller for the transfer of real property. These contracts are most often used when one party, the buyer, is purchasing residential real estate from another party, the seller.
A real estate contract, often called a purchase and sale agreement, will include specific details about the transaction like the purchase price, a description of the property, and a closing date with associated costs. The contract will also include contingencies and disclosures that both parties must abide by to move forward with the sale.
Common Maine Real Estate Contracts
There are several types of real estate contracts that can be used in Maine. Each contract will have a different purpose depending on the type of property being purchased. These contracts include:
- Residential purchase and sale agreement. A residential purchase and sale agreement is the standard real estate contract used for the transfer of residential property in Maine.
- Real estate assignment contract. A contract used when purchasing investment properties that may require maintenance and repairs. This contract allows the buyer to assign the contract to a second buyer.
- Lease agreement. Used when a landlord wants maintain ownership of their property, but allow a tenant to use it in exchange for a monthly rent.
- Commercial property purchase agreement. Used when buying or selling a commercial property that is zoned for business purposes.
4 Essential Elements of a Maine Real Estate Contract
All real estate contracts in Maine must be in writing. In addition, the following 4 essential elements are required by Maine state laws to make the contract legally binding:
- Identify the parties included in the contract
- Contain the terms of the sale
- Contain the date of the transaction
- Be signed by all parties
What Should Be Included in a Maine Real Estate Contract?
A real estate agent in Maine will often use a state approved form for a real estate contract. This ensures that the contract contains all legally necessary information to facilitate the sale.
When a buyer doesn’t use a realtor, they have the option to hire an attorney to draft a real estate contract. Whether a form is used, or a new agreement is drafted, all real estate contracts should include the following clauses:
- The legal description and address of the property being sold
- The purchase price and terms of payment
- The closing date, which is the date when the buyer will take possession of the property
- Any warranties or representations made by the seller about the property, such as the condition of the roof or the presence of any known defects
- Contingencies or conditions that must be met before the sale can be finalized, such as the buyer obtaining financing or the seller passing a property inspection
- The rights and responsibilities of the parties involved in the transaction, including the buyer's and seller's obligations to complete the sale
- The names and contact information of the parties involved in the transaction, including the real estate agents or brokers representing the buyer and seller
Additional terms and conditions may be included in the contract based on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
Does Maine Require a Real Estate Closing Attorney?
Maine no longer requires that a real estate closing attorney be used when purchasing property. However, it is common for buyers and sellers to use attorneys to assist with the legal aspects of a real estate transaction. An attorney can review and explain the real estate contract, assist with the transfer of title, and handle the closing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Meet some of our Maine Real Estate Contract Lawyers
Craig M.
I have been practicing law for more than 7 years in Maine and have owned my law practice, Dirigo Law LLC, since 2020. My practice focuses mostly on Real Estate / Corporate transactions, Wills, Trusts, and Probate matters.
"In our phone conversation, Craig provided options to resolve my title issue"
Nicholas M.
Nicholas Matlach is a cybersecurity expert (CISSP) and an attorney who is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. He is a client-focused professional who has a deep understanding of the challenges that small businesses face in the digital age. He also provides legal counsel to small businesses on a variety of issues, including formation, intellectual property, contracts, and employment law.
"Enjoyed his demeanor. Professional yet down to earth. The document created for me was very explicit and easy to read. I would recommend :)"
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Flat Fee Purchase Agreement Drafting for Real Estate Transaction
"Thank you, if I have a few tweaks here and there, hopefully NONE please help."
Review Real Estate Purchase Agreement
"Exactly what I needed! Will use again!"
Review Real Estate Contract for Land Purchase
"Scott was very responsive, professional and provided an efficient review of a land purchase contract. Good communication throughout. Always offered to discuss his suggestions."
Purchase Agreement Contract Review
"Anna C was an absolute pleasure to work with. She added language that protected us beyond what we could've imagined, was very responsive and so helpful. 10/10 recommend."
Reply From Anna C.
Thank you very much — I really appreciate the review and the opportunity to work with you on this transaction. I’m glad I was able to help strengthen the agreement in a way that gave you added protection and practical clarity. You were a pleasure to work with as well, and I truly appreciate the recommendation.
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Ryenne S.
My name is Ryenne Shaw and I help business owners build businesses that operate as assets instead of liabilities, increase in value over time and build wealth. My areas of expertise include corporate formation and business structure, contract law, employment/labor law, business risk and compliance and intellectual property. I also serve as outside general counsel to several businesses across various industries nationally. I spent most of my early legal career assisting C.E.O.s, General Counsel, and in-house legal counsel of both large and smaller corporations in minimizing liability, protecting business assets and maximizing profits. While working with many of these entities, I realized that smaller entities are often underserved. I saw that smaller business owners weren’t receiving the same level of legal support larger corporations relied upon to grow and sustain. I knew this was a major contributor to the ceiling that most small businesses hit before they’ve even scratched the surface of their potential. And I knew at that moment that all of this lack of knowledge and support was creating a huge wealth gap. After over ten years of legal experience, I started my law firm to provide the legal support small to mid-sized business owners and entrepreneurs need to grow and protect their brands, businesses, and assets. I have a passion for helping small to mid-sized businesses and startups grow into wealth-building assets by leveraging the same legal strategies large corporations have used for years to create real wealth. I enjoy connecting with my clients, learning about their visions and identifying ways to protect and maximize the reach, value and impact of their businesses. I am a strong legal writer with extensive litigation experience, including both federal and state (and administratively), which brings another element to every contract I prepare and the overall counsel and value I provide. Some of my recent projects include: - Negotiating & Drafting Commercial Lease Agreements - Drafting Trademark Licensing Agreements - Drafting Ambassador and Influencer Agreements - Drafting Collaboration Agreements - Drafting Service Agreements for service-providers, coaches and consultants - Drafting Master Service Agreements and SOWs - Drafting Terms of Service and Privacy Policies - Preparing policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries - Drafting Employee Handbooks, Standard Operations and Procedures (SOPs) manuals, employment agreements - Creating Employer-employee infrastructure to ensure business compliance with employment and labor laws - Drafting Independent Contractor Agreements and Non-Disclosure/Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation Agreements - Conducting Federal Trademark Searches and filing trademark applications - Preparing Trademark Opinion Letters after conducting appropriate legal research - Drafting Letters of Opinion for Small Business Loans - Drafting and Responding to Cease and Desist Letters I service clients throughout the United States across a broad range of industries.
"Ryenne was so helpful and was able to review and advise on my issue within less than a day. I would definitely recommend their expertise!"
September 22, 2022
Sarah S.
I have a background in Criminal Law, Family Law, Contract Law, and Environmental Law. I also have five (5) degrees in the following: Here are my degrees and background: 1) B.S. in Environmental, Soil, and Water Sciences 2) A.S. in Pre-Medical Sciences (anatomy, physiology, medical terminology) 3) A.S. in Aircraft Non-Destructive Inspection (science of x-rays, cracks in metal, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle inspections, ultrasonic inspections, and spectrophotometric oil analysis) 4) Master's in Natural Resources Law Studies (1 year focus in the environmental and pollution laws (Hazardous Waste Laws such as RCRA, CERCLA, FIFRA, Natural Resource laws such as ESA, CWA, CAA, FWPCA, Environmental Law, Sustainable Development, and Global Climate Change issues) 5) Juris Doctor and certificate in Native American Law
September 22, 2022
James G.
I am a lawyer in Glendale, Arizona. I have practiced in contract work including buy/sell agreements, contracts for the purchase of goods and services and real estate. I also practice in bankruptcy law and sports and entertainment law.
September 30, 2022
Gregory D.
Gregory S. Davis is a native of New York and is a graduate of the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Bowie State University. Prior to entering the practice of law, Greg was a Trust officer for one of the largest U.S. Banks, an adjunct professor of finance at Meredith College and a Series 7 licensed financial advisor. Greg is currently the owner of The Law Office of Gregory S. Davis, PLLC (gsdavislaw.com) focusing on Estate Planning, Real Estate and Business Law. Greg is also an adjunct professor of Business Law at Wake Tech.
October 14, 2022
Jingjing L.
I am a dual qualified (Illinois; England & Wales) transactional lawyer with about 6 years of legal experience. I'm very commercial and pragmatic in my approach, and I provide clear and timely service. I have worked in two of the top international "big law" firms focusing on corporate, private equity, insurance and financial services work. I'm now working in-house at a Fortune 500 company and have a wide range of experience with commercial and corporate contracts as well as legal and regulatory research.
Real 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
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.
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
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Commercial real estate purchase
Location: Illinois
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Real Estate Purchase Agreement
Page Count: 3
Number of Bids: 3
Bid Range: $375 - $2,000
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