which lawyer drafts purchase and sale agreement

by Dr. John O'Keefe 3 min read

1. The seller's agent or attorney will draft the Purchase and Sale Agreement (P&S). This is the more binding legal document that is the official contract to purchase the home. It is a “cookie cutter” type standard document.Oct 9, 2016

Who drafts the purchase and sale agreement for a commercial property?

Generally speaking, when a buyer and seller agree to the terms and conditions of a proposed transaction for a commercial property, one party’s attorney will draft and send the initial purchase and sale agreement to the other party’s attorney. This agreement should usually contain the following basic terms and conditions: Legal description and address of the property in …

How do I draft a purchase and sale agreement?

Your Contract Lawyer can help you review, draft, or negotiate a purchase and sale agreement whether you are the buyer or seller of a business or its assets. Please contact our office to learn more about how our attorneys may be able to help. If you get a chance, head over to our Yelp page to read reviews of our past work.

Why hire an agreements of purchase and sale attorney?

Apr 05, 2022 · If the seller doesn’t have an agent lined up to draft the purchase contract, the buyer’s own real estate agent can take care of the transaction paperwork as a transactional agent, also known as a...

Who draws up the purchase agreement for a home that is for sale?

Purchasers or sellers of real property or a business often have their brokers/agents prepare the purchase and sale agreement for the property or the business. But, is a broker/agent really capable of preparing a detailed legal contract that could represent a …

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The Importance of Due Diligence Clauses in Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSA)

Nearly four years after having signed a purchase and sale agreement formalizing an approximately $2.4 billion acquisition by Marathon Petroleum of a Houston-area refinery from its previous owner, British Petroleum (BP), Marathon has filed a lawsuit alleging that BP breached terms contained in the 2013 purchase and sale agreement signed by the two companies..

Review & Draft Legal Purchase Agreements From Your Contract Lawyer

Your Contract Lawyer can help you review, draft, or negotiate a purchase and sale agreement whether you are the buyer or seller of a business or its assets. Please contact our office to learn more about how our attorneys may be able to help.

Who can help a buyer with a real estate contract?

Buyers can have real estate agreements drawn up by a real estate attorney or agent. A title company or Realtor can help the buyer find someone to write a contract if necessary. If the seller doesn’t have an agent lined up to draft the purchase contract, the buyer’s own real estate agent can take care of the transaction paperwork as ...

What is a purchase contract?

As a real estate buyer, a purchase contract is one of the first steps toward closing the sale. “In layman’s terms, a purchase contract is simply the written contract between the buyer and seller outlining the terms of the sale,” Hardy explains.

What is land contract?

A land contract is used when the owner provides financing when going to sell, so that you do not have to get a mortgage elsewhere to purchase the property. The contract stipulates the amount of the loan, the interest rate, and what happens if you fall behind on property taxes or payments. You and the seller can negotiate the terms of the agreement, ...

What is FSBO sale?

A FSBO sale can occur in a seller’s market or when sellers want to maximize their profits on a sale by not having to pay a commission to a real estate agent. So if the buyers want to make a written offer on property, who will be tasked with drawing up the purchase agreement, or the contract outlining the terms and conditions of the sale?

What is a seller's agent?

The seller’s agent is typically the person who draws up a real estate purchase agreement. But what happens if the home is for sale by owner (or FSBO) and the owner isn’t represented by a real estate agent at all? A FSBO sale can occur in a seller’s market or when sellers want to maximize their profits on a sale by not having to pay a commission ...

Who is the transactional agent for a contract?

If you as the buyer decide to use a transactional agent for the contract, think of them as “one person who neither represents the seller nor the buyer but facilitates the documents necessary for the sale ,” says Joyce Mitchell of Mitchell & Associates, in Bigfork, MT. If you have any doubts about the contract, consult your own attorney.

Can you negotiate with a seller?

You and the seller can negotiate the terms of the agreement, including the interest rate on the loan. Keep in mind that certain states do not allow dual agency in real estate transactions, and that some states see it as an ethical dilemma. If you as the buyer decide to use a transactional agent for the contract, ...

When to use a purchase and sale agreement?

Purchase and sale agreements are used most commonly when selling real estate. It is drafted after the buyer makes an offer and the seller accepts the offer. The agreement lays out important terms, such as the closing date, the amount of the deposit, and any special situations that would warrant canceling the agreement. The document is usually prepared either by the attorney or the Escrow Agent who handles the closing process. If you are selling your own home, then you may end up drafting a purchase and sale agreement. Be sure to show your draft to a qualified attorney.

How to use a sale and purchase agreement more than once?

If you are going to use your sale and purchase agreement more than once, then set it up as a template. Include blank lines for information that will change from contract to contract, such as the name of the purchaser and the purchase price.

What to include when selling a house with cash?

The balance of the purchase price will be paid at closing by certified check.” You can also ask that the purchaser include a verification letter stating that funds are available.

How to insert title in a real estate contract?

Insert a title. At the top of the page, you should center the title between the left- and right-hand margins. Title your document something like “Purchase and Sale Agreement” or “Agreement to Purchase Real Estate.”

How does wikihow mark an article as reader approved?

wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

When do you deliver money to escrow?

Purchaser shall deliver payment to Escrow Agent no later than 5:30 pm, five (5) calendar days after Seller’s acceptance of this agreement.”

Who negotiates a settlement?

The purchaser and seller will negotiate a settlement.

What is the legal process of buying and selling a business?

The purchase and sale of a business is a complex transaction requiring legal counsel to provide guidance and advice throughout the process. This includes negotiating and drafting the underlying purchase agreement, assisting with satisfying conditions and preparing and negotiating closing documents .

Why is it important to include a non-competition agreement in an asset sale?

This is because the entire purchase price is predicated on the goodwill of the seller.

What is an APS contract?

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale (“APS”) is a binding contract between the purchaser and seller that obligates the purchaser to buy and the seller to sell assets or shares of a corporation subject to the terms and conditions in the APS. The APS will include terms such as the purchase price, representations and warranties, conditions, ...

What is the limit on a seller's liability?

The Purchase and Sales Agreement can also limit the seller’s liability by stipulating the maximum amount that a seller has to pay where there is a breach of the representations, warranties, and covenants made. The limit might be an amount equal to the purchase price or a percentage of the purchase price. Or there might be limits on indemnification specific to certain types of loss, i.e., breaches of general representations and warranties will incur a payout to a maximum of 30% of the purchase price, while breaches of environmental representations and warranties incur a payout up to 50% of the purchase price. For fundamental breaches such as title to the shares or assets, the limit is often not less than the purchase price.

How long does a buyer have to do due diligence after APS?

The purchaser will typically have a conditional period anywhere from five to twenty days after the APS has been executed to perform due diligence and secure financing.

What is APS in a purchase agreement?

When a purchaser is buying assets, the APS is called an Asset Purchase Agreement; when the purchaser is buying shares, it is called a Share Purchase Agreement.

What is due diligence in financials?

Financial due diligence involves reviewing the financial statements of the target business to ensure that it is a viable business and the financial position of the business justifies the purchase price. Whereas the purpose of legal due diligence is to assess the risks and obligations of the business.

Who prepares the purchase and sale agreement for a business?

Purchasers or sellers of real property or a business often have their brokers/agents prepare the purchase and sale agreement for the property or the business.

What is a purchase and sale agreement?

Provisions contained in a purchase and sale agreement are a matter or negotiation. Depending on the bargaining strength of the parties as to whether or not the property or the business may be purchased by someone else will dictate whether various provisions will be agreed to by a seller or buyer.

What is the benefit of using a pre-printed form prepared by the broker/agent?

The benefit of using a pre-printed form prepared by the broker/agent is the savings of attorneys fees and time. However, are you really saving anything if the subject agreement does not contain all the provisions that would be appropriate for your transaction and you end up in litigation over the contract or you run into adverse tax consequences as a result of the provisions of the agreement?

Should a buyer and seller have their attorney review the purchase and sale agreement?

However, such buyers or sellers should also have their attorney review the purchase and sale agreement and the underlying transaction to make sure the contract contains all of the necessary provisions. The benefit of using a pre-printed form prepared by the broker/agent is the savings of attorneys fees and time.

Does a contract contain representations and warranties?

Representations and Warranties. Whether a purchase or sale of real property or a business, does the contract contain sufficient representations and warranties from the seller. Depending on the complexity of the transaction, the representations and warranties should be equally all-encompassing. Some pre-printed forms contain representations ...

What is a purchase agreement?

A purchase agreement is a contract that outlines the conditions of the sale of a home. Once the buyer and seller have agreed to these conditions and apply their signature, this document becomes legally binding.

What is the name of the parties involved in a sale?

About the parties involved with the sale: the names of the buyer (s), seller (s), and their representatives (if this applies)

What is a special disclosure in FSBO?

Special disclosures are also written into FSBO purchase agreements. Sellers are obligated to reveal any information that impacts the health and safety of future tenants, or affects the value of the property. A lead paint disclosure is a common example because of the negative health risks associated with this product.

How much does a real estate attorney charge for a house?

Some lawyers will charge by the hour ranging from $150 to $300, or fixed rates based on a per-service model. Either way, it’s a good idea to budget for this cost in the sale of your home.

Can you spell out other custom details in FSBO?

Parties may also want to spell out other custom details in their FSBO purchase agreement. So if a buyer wants to include items such as the washer and dryer, this is the place to clarify that. Pay attention to every part of the contract because any disputes could mean a considerable delay in the sale.

Who is responsible for FSBO?

Typically the seller’s agent is the person who is held responsible for this task. However, in an FSBO situation, the seller can employ a real estate attorney or lawyer. Some states require these agreements to be put together by state-licensed lawyers anyway.

Do real estate laws vary?

Not only that, real estate laws vary from state to state. So if you have any questions regarding requirements you need to fill, or how much you should pay in property taxes and special assessments, an experienced lawyer is your best bet.

What is a real estate purchase agreement?

A real estate purchase agreement is a type of contract that is created during the purchase or sale of a residence. The contract is used to govern the terms of the sale and to provide guidance on the various duties, rights, and responsibilities of each of the parties involved in the transaction.

What is the importance of preparing for a real estate purchase agreement?

It is very important that the parties prepare themselves properly before entering into a real estate purchase agreement for the sale and/or purchase of a home. For instance, both parties should ask their respective real estate lawyers about any questions they may have about the agreement or the obligations that were decided during the negotiations process.

What is the most important document in the home purchase process?

The real estate purchase agreement is arguably the most important document in the home sale purchase process. Depending on the terms that a buyer and a seller include in the contract, it can impact the entire outcome of the final sale transaction.

What is buyer beware in real estate?

This means that it is normally up to a buyer to inspect the property and check for any defects or substandard elements in and/or around the home.

Why do you ask for a deadline to be extended before signing a contract?

Asking that a deadline be extended before signing if a party will not realistically be able to meet it, such as to complete one of the actions required under a specific contingency clause or if a buyer will not be able to secure financing or sell their house in time for the closing; and

What is a legal description of a property?

A legal description of the property that identifies the exact location of the property, the boundaries of the property, and whether there are any easements or bodies of water on the property. Some important terms to note in this category include rectangular surveys, metes and bounds, and lot and block systems. A licensed surveyor will most likely be the professional in charge of preparing these types of reports.

What can a real estate lawyer do?

An experienced real estate lawyer will be able to help you with all of these tasks as well as can provide guidance on various real estate laws and protections. In the event that you encounter a legal issue or become involved in a dispute over the agreement, your lawyer will also be able to provide representation in court.

How much does an attorney charge per hour?

While most attorneys charge a flat rate, some will charge by the hour, with hourly rates ranging from $150 to $350, according to Thumbtack.

What is the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent?

A real estate agent, or realtor, is tasked with marketing a property for sale or finding a property for a buyer, Romer said, while an attorney is enlisted to ensure someone’s legal rights are protected during a home sale. Real estate agents are paid based on commission , while attorneys are paid a separate legal fee that is typically a flat rate, he said.

Do real estate attorneys help you buy a house?

Real estate attorneys may give you the peace of mind that your home purchase will go smoothly, drastically lowering the possibility that you’ll be hit with any unexpected legal problems.

Do you need a real estate attorney to close a house?

Some states require a real estate attorney for closing, while others don’t. In states that don’t require an attorney, it’s still a good idea to consider hiring one to help make sure everything is in good order. How much does a real estate attorney cost may factor into your decision-making given how many costs are associated with closing on a house .

Why do you need an attorney to draft a contract?

In order to ensure your sale or purchase, financial investment, and rights are protected, having an attorney draft this type of contract would be preferable. A contract will also provide sections outlining whether or not it may be cancelled and how to cancel it.

What is the legal form of a contract?

A contract may be in written or oral form . In most cases, in order to be legally binding, a contract must be in writing and signed by all parties involved. Courts generally require three things for a contract to be enforceable: Mutual assent, or agreement to the contract terms; A valid offer and acceptance; and.

Why is a contract not enforceable?

A contract may not be enforceable if there is not adequate consideration. A contract may not be enforceable if there was a mistake, fraud or one of the parties was under duress . Find the Right Contract Lawyer. Hire the right lawyer near your location.

What is considered consideration in a contract?

Consideration occurs when both parties agree to provide something of value in exchange for a benefit. Consideration must be something of value and can include money, a vehicle, or manual labor. For a contract to be valid, all parties must be legally competent.

What is a contract legally binding?

In order to be legally binding, a contract is required to contain certain elements. Some contracts must be in writing in order to be valid, such as contracts for an amount of money over $500.00. A contract must be made for a legal purpose. For example, an individual cannot contract to commit a crime.

What is acceptance of a contract?

Acceptance occurs when the parties agree to the terms of the offer. If a change is made to the offer terms, it would be considered a counteroffer. Different states have different laws in this area of contracts, so it is important to review local regulations. For a contract to be valid, consideration must be provided.

What is the meeting of the minds in a contract?

It is important to be familiar with the requirements of a valid contract. Performance. The offer and acceptance elements of a contract are also known as the “meeting of the minds,” or mutual agreement of the parties.

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Step One – The Agreement of Purchase and Sale

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The Agreement of Purchase and Sale (“APS”) is a binding contract between the purchaser and seller that obligates the purchaser to buy and the seller to sell assets or shares of a corporation subject to the terms and conditions in the APS. The APS will include terms such as the purchase price, representations and warranties, co…
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Step Two –Closing Documents and Conditions

  • In Step Two, the lawyers will work with the clients towards closing by first (a) assist with satisfying all of the conditions and second (b) prepare and negotiate the closing documents. A. Conditions In most APS, the completion of the transaction is conditional upon the satisfaction of certain conditions (or the parties waiving such conditions). The following are three commonly in…
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Non-Competition Agreements

  • In an asset sale of purely goodwill, which occurs where a business sells its client lists and trade name, it is crucial for the deal to include a non-competition agreement. This is because the entire purchase price is predicated on the goodwill of the seller. There are no hard or physical assets such as products, equipment or inventory, which make up the value of the business. Goodwill of …
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The Termination and Hiring of Employees

  • Employees usually represent another contentious item when negotiating an asset purchase. Under law, when the assets of a business are sold to a new purchaser, all of the employees become successor employees to the purchaser. This means that all of the employees’ liability, such as their work history, vacation pay, termination pay, and severance pay entitlements are tra…
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Seller’S Indemnity

  • One ofthe most difficult discussions in negotiating a purchase and sale agreement willconcern the seller’s indemnity and any limitations of the liability assumed bythe purchaser. An indemnity protects the purchaser against damages suffered dueto breaches of the seller’s representations, warranties, and covenants. At thesame time, the seller will want to limit his indemnity liability to …
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Statutory Declarations and Filings with The CRA

  • Making statutory declarations and filings with the CRA so that your income tax return reflects your and your business’ new status. The following are some of steps that you should take when you have bought a new business. 1. Apply for new business number (BN) and new CRA program account 1.1. If you want to change the legal ownership or the structure of your business (eg. Fro…
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