Massachusetts Real Estate Contract: Different Types and Key Terms to Include

Quick Facts — Real Estate Contract Lawyers

What is a Massachusetts Real Estate Contract?

A Massachusetts real estate contract is a legally binding contract executed between a buyer and a seller for the purchase and sale of real property. A real estate contract will include important terms like the purchase price, closing date, and contingencies that must be met before the sale can be completed.

Real estate contracts are typically drafted by a real estate attorney, however; real estate contract templates are available for use by realtors and parties selling property privately. The contract becomes binding once both parties have signed it.

Common Massachusetts Real Estate Contracts

The three most commonly used real estate contracts in Massachusetts are:

  • Greater Boston Real Estate Board contract
  • Massachusetts Association of Realtors contract
  • Real Estate Bar Association Contract

Each of these approved contract templates are used by realtors who belong to the different associations. These forms include all provisions and conditions that are required for real estate contracts in Massachusetts and create a streamlined process for buying and selling property.

4 Essential Elements of a Massachusetts Real Estate Contract

Real estate contracts in Massachusetts are governed by Massachusetts contract law. Every real estate contract must include the following four essential elements:

  1. Voluntary agreement between parties
  2. Legally competent parties
  3. Offer, acceptance, and consideration
  4. Legal purpose

If a contract is missing any of these elements, it may be deemed invalid and unenforceable.

Is Massachusetts a Buyer Beware State for Real Estate?

Massachusetts is considered a "caveat emptor" state, which means "buyer beware." This means that buyers are responsible for thoroughly inspecting a property and any potential issues before purchasing it.

Sellers are not required to disclose any known defects or problems with the property unless they are asked directly. It's important for buyers to thoroughly research and inspect a property before making an offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hire a lawyer to draft a real estate contract in Massachusetts?

See Real Estate Contract by State

See Real Real Estate Purchase Agreement Projects

Arkansas Review a real estate contract to make sure I am protected as a seller. Review
  • Arkansas
  • 2 lawyer bids
  • $400 - $800
View Details
Maryland PSA & Memorandum Review Drafting
  • Maryland
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $350 - $950
View Details
California Review Real Estate Cash Purchase Agreement Review
  • California
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $300 - $799
View Details
California RV Rent to Own agreement Drafting
  • California
  • 4 lawyer bids
  • $499 - $950
View Details
California Create Real Estate Purchase Agreement Drafting
  • California
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $700 - $2,500
View Details
Indiana Review Real Estate Purchase Agreement Review
  • Indiana
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $199 - $950
View Details

See all Real Estate Purchase Agreement projects in Massachusetts


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Need help with a Real Estate Contract?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,104 reviews

Meet some of our Massachusetts Real Estate Contract Lawyers

Stephen R. on ContractsCounsel
View Stephen
5.0 (7)
Member Since:
February 18, 2025

Stephen R.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Boston
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA NY
New York Law School

Steve Reich is licensed to practice in both New York and Massachusetts and is based in Boston. He assists with environmental litigation and other complex litigation and heads the firm's intellectual property practice, including copyright and trademark registration and protection. Other practice areas include commercial contract drafting and civil litigation.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Fast, professional, and articulate—I would work with Stephen again."

Joshua D. on ContractsCounsel
View Joshua
5.0 (5)
Member Since:
June 5, 2025

Joshua D.

Business Attorney
Free Consultation
Lynn, MA
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA
New England Law | Boston

I am an experienced small business attorney. I work diligently to ensure that small business owners achieve their objectives while maintaining compliance, satisfying legal duties, and engaging in smart contracting opportunities. I provide everything from organization, to lease/commercial real estate purchase agreement review and negotiation, and even IP filings. I can help to navigate commercial and government contracts, as well as other SaaS-type agreements.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Joshua is a phenomenal attorney to work with. He has a personality and isn't monotone to converse with. He is extremely responsive and delivers timely. He answered all my questions, while fairly abiding by the scope of representation. I would work with him again."

Jessica W. on ContractsCounsel
View Jessica
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 23, 2025

Jessica W.

Attorney - Solo
Free Consultation
Austin, Texas and Boston, MA
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA TX
Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Family and Probate attorney with over 15 years experience.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Jessica is a great lawyer, and I would recommend her to anyone."

Charles D. on ContractsCounsel
View Charles
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 29, 2025

Charles D.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Andover, MA
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA NH
Massachusetts School of Law

At DACC.Law, we deliver high-quality, practical legal solutions specifically for entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and growing businesses. With more than 25 years of experience, our firm handles everything from contract drafting and review to entity formation, deal structuring, and risk mitigation. Clients rely on us for clear guidance on regulatory compliance, navigating complex transactions (including multifamily, landlords, developers), resolving disputes efficiently, and protecting their business interests. We combine deep legal expertise with a hands-on, results-oriented approach so you can move forward with confidence.

Megan B. on ContractsCounsel
View Megan
3.7 (1)
Member Since:
April 8, 2025

Megan B.

Lawyer
Free Consultation
Massachusetts, United States
22 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA NH
Suffolk University Law School

20-year business lawyer with extensive experience ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small businesses.

David W. on ContractsCounsel
View David
Member Since:
March 8, 2025

David W.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Providence, RI
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA RI
Quinnipiac University School of Law

David has experience assisting individuals, startups, mid-sized, and publicly traded companies with various business, corporate, and real estate matters including residential and commercial real estate sales, acquisitions, financing and leasing; contract drafting and negotiation; regulatory compliance; and business acquisition, sale, formation, and dissolution.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Lawyer Reviews for Massachusetts Real Estate Contract Projects

Review Public Offering Statement for Purchase of New Construction Townhome

5.0

"Great review and fast turn around"

Pennsylvania
Premium
Review
Real Estate Purchase Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Purchase Agreement Contract Review

5.0

"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."

Texas
Review
Real Estate Purchase Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Real estate home purchase contract review

5.0

"Ryenne was very prompt. thanks for your help Ryenne."

Utah
Review
Real Estate Purchase Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Real Estate Indemnity Agreement

5.0

"Zachariah was prompt, thorough and very detail-oriented. He explained the human oversight and expertise was used throughout the whole process, after the initial clerical work which is completed by his AI legal software. The final work product was exactly what we needed and above and beyond what we hoped for. Thank you very much!"

Colorado
Drafting
Real Estate Purchase Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Real Estate Purchase Agreement Review

5.0

Wisconsin
Review
Real Estate Purchase Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Real Estate

Real Estate Contract

Georgia

Asked on Mar 18, 2022

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES TO PERFORM QUIT CLAIM DEED COMPLETE BUTTS COUNTY GEORGIA 30233

SON AND EX

Meghan T.

Answered Mar 29, 2022

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

Read 1 attorney answer>

Real Estate

Real Estate Contract

Georgia

Asked on Mar 24, 2022

How many years does a quick claim become effective?s

Number of years for quick claim to be effect ive

Meghan T.

Answered Mar 29, 2022

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

Read 1 attorney answer>

Real Estate

Real Estate Contract

Illinois

Asked on Mar 27, 2022

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.

Answered Apr 5, 2022

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Real Estate

Real Estate Contract

New York

Asked on Dec 26, 2021

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.

Answered Jan 11, 2022

I suggest you speak with a New York real estate attorney. That attorney needs to review the documents related to the transaction.

Read 1 attorney answer>
See more legal questions…

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a Real Estate Contract?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,104 reviews
Real Estate lawyers by top cities
See All Massachusetts Real Estate Lawyers
Massachusetts Real Estate Contract lawyers by city
See All Real Estate Contract Lawyers

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
REVIEW REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FROM DELAWARE SOLAR COMPANY
Location: Maryland
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Real Estate Purchase Agreement
Page Count: 30
Number of Bids: 3
Bid Range: $325 - $1,400
User Feedback:
Our experience was top notch. Thank you!

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
Review of Lease Agreement and Purchase Contract
Location: Utah
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Real Estate Purchase Agreement
Page Count: 7
Number of Bids: 3
Bid Range: $370 - $500
User Feedback:
Project was completed promptly and easily and Ryenne was very knowledgeable and informative.

Need help with a Real Estate Contract?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,104 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city