Real-world examples of examples of residential purchase agreements buyers actually sign

Common examples of residential purchase agreements in today’s market

Most buyers expect there’s one standard form, but the reality is messier. The best examples of residential purchase agreements show how the same basic structure gets customized for:

• Local law (state-specific forms)
• How the buyer is paying (cash vs. financing)
• Property type (condo, single-family, new construction, manufactured home)
• Market conditions (buyer’s vs. seller’s market)

Below are several real-world style examples of examples of residential purchase agreements you’ll actually see in practice.

Example of a standard financed single-family home purchase

Let’s start with the most common scenario: a buyer using a mortgage to purchase an existing single-family home listed on the MLS.

In many states, this agreement is built off a standard form created by the state Realtor® association. For instance, the California Association of Realtors and the Florida Realtors each publish detailed residential purchase contracts that agents use as a baseline. These forms are periodically updated to reflect new laws and market trends.

In a typical 2024 financed purchase agreement, examples include:

• Price and earnest money: Purchase price, with earnest money usually around 1–3% of the price, held in escrow.
• Financing contingency: Buyer has a set period (often 21–30 days) to secure a mortgage at or below a specified interest rate and loan type. If they’re denied despite good-faith effort, they can cancel and get the deposit back.
• Appraisal contingency: If the property appraises below the purchase price, buyer can renegotiate or walk away.
• Inspection contingency: Buyer can inspect for structural issues, roof, HVAC, termites, and negotiate repairs or credits.
• Closing and possession: Closing date, prorations for taxes and utilities, and when the buyer actually gets the keys.

In hot markets, you’ll see real examples of residential purchase agreements where buyers shorten or waive some of these contingencies to compete. In slower markets, buyers often negotiate longer timelines or more repair credits.

Example of a cash purchase agreement with limited contingencies

Another common example of a residential purchase agreement is the all-cash deal. Investors and some downsizing retirees use cash to stand out.

Compared to the standard financed deal, the best examples of cash agreements in 2024 typically:

• Eliminate the financing contingency entirely
• Keep a short inspection period (sometimes as little as 5–7 days)
• Use a larger earnest money deposit to signal commitment
• Set a faster closing (often 10–21 days instead of 30–45)

A realistic clause you’ll see in these examples of examples of residential purchase agreements might read:

“Buyer’s obligation to close is not contingent upon Buyer obtaining financing. Buyer represents that sufficient funds to close are available and verifiable.”

Even in cash deals, experienced buyers rarely skip inspections completely. Instead, they shorten deadlines and limit repair requests to major health and safety issues.

Example of a condo or HOA property purchase agreement

Buying a condo or a home in a planned community adds another layer: the homeowners association (HOA). Real examples of residential purchase agreements for condos include specific language about:

• HOA documents: Buyer’s right to receive and review CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, budgets, and reserve studies.
• Review period: A set number of days (commonly 3–10) for the buyer to review HOA documents and cancel if the fees, rules, or financials are unacceptable.
• Special assessments: Who pays any existing or pending special assessments — buyer, seller, or shared.

A typical clause in these examples of residential purchase agreements might say:

“Seller shall provide Buyer with all available HOA governing documents, rules, and financial statements within five (5) days of contract acceptance. Buyer shall have seven (7) days after receipt to approve or disapprove such documents.”

In 2024, lenders are paying closer attention to condo association finances after several high-profile building failures and structural concerns. That means condo purchase agreements are more likely to reference structural reports and reserve funding. For background on building safety and housing standards, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes guidance on property requirements and inspections at hud.gov.

Example of a new construction purchase agreement with builder-friendly terms

New construction contracts are a different animal. Instead of starting from a state Realtor® form, many national builders use their own heavily lawyered templates.

In these examples of residential purchase agreements, you’ll often see:

• Extended timelines: Closing tied to construction completion, with broad allowances for delays.
• Limited inspection rights: Fewer opportunities for independent inspections before closing.
• Builder warranties: Specific warranty coverage periods for structural elements, systems, and workmanship.
• Upgrade and change-order language: How design center selections, upgrades, and change orders are priced and paid.

A real-world style clause might say:

“Closing shall occur within fourteen (14) days after Builder notifies Buyer that the Dwelling is substantially complete, as determined by Builder in its sole discretion.”

These examples of examples of residential purchase agreements are often more favorable to the builder than to the buyer. Many buyers bring in a real estate attorney to review these contracts before signing, especially when the purchase price is high and the builder’s form is non-negotiable.

Example of an as-is purchase agreement for a fixer-upper

In older neighborhoods or with distressed properties, you’ll see as-is contracts. The phrase “as-is” doesn’t mean the buyer can’t inspect; it means the seller is not promising to make repairs.

In these examples of residential purchase agreements, common features include:

• As-is clause: Buyer accepts property in its present condition, subject to inspections.
• Right to inspect, right to cancel: Buyer can still walk away if inspections reveal more than they’re willing to handle.
• Limited seller disclosures: Especially in estate sales or bank-owned properties.

A typical as-is clause might read:

“Buyer acknowledges that the Property is being sold in its present ‘AS-IS’ condition. Buyer shall have ten (10) days to conduct inspections and may terminate this Agreement if the condition is unsatisfactory in Buyer’s sole discretion.”

In 2024, with renovation costs higher due to labor and material prices, these examples of examples of residential purchase agreements often include language allowing buyers to obtain contractor estimates during the inspection period. Buyers are far more sensitive to hidden structural or environmental issues, and many agreements now reference specialized inspections (sewer scopes, radon, mold) that were less common a decade ago. For environmental and health-related housing issues, the CDC maintains guidance on lead, mold, and indoor air quality at cdc.gov.

Example of a VA or FHA financed purchase agreement

Government-backed loans like FHA and VA introduce additional requirements that show up explicitly in the purchase agreement.

In these examples of residential purchase agreements, examples include:

• Mandatory valuation clause for FHA/VA, stating the buyer is not obligated to complete the purchase if the appraised value is below the purchase price.
• Specific repair requirements: Certain safety or habitability issues must be corrected for the loan to close.
• Seller contribution language: Caps on how much the seller can contribute toward closing costs.

A realistic FHA/VA clause might say:

“Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, Buyer shall not be obligated to complete the purchase or incur any penalty by forfeiture of earnest money deposits or otherwise if the appraised value, as determined by the FHA/VA-approved appraiser, is less than the purchase price.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and HUD publish detailed standards for minimum property conditions and appraisal guidelines, which often drive these clauses. Buyers and agents drafting these examples of examples of residential purchase agreements usually consult lender requirements and federal guidance at va.gov and hud.gov.

Example of a seller-financed or lease-option purchase agreement

Not every deal runs through a traditional bank. In tighter credit environments, you’ll see more creative structures like seller financing and lease-options.

In these real examples of residential purchase agreements, the contract typically includes:

• Purchase price and down payment: Often higher down payments than traditional loans.
• Interest rate and amortization: Terms of the seller-held note.
• Balloon payment: Many seller-financed deals require a lump-sum payoff after a set period.
• Default and remedies: What happens if the buyer stops paying.

For a lease-option, the agreement may be split into:

• A residential lease outlining rent and responsibilities, and
• An option agreement giving the tenant the right (but not the obligation) to purchase at a set price within a defined window.

These examples of examples of residential purchase agreements are heavily state-specific, especially around foreclosure, eviction, and consumer protection. Buyers and sellers should check state attorney general resources or local legal aid organizations to understand the risks. Many state bar associations and law schools also publish guides on creative financing and residential contracts.

Key trends showing up in 2024–2025 purchase agreements

Looking across all these examples of residential purchase agreements, a few trends stand out in 2024–2025:

• Interest-rate sensitivity: More buyers are adding financing contingencies that specify a maximum acceptable interest rate. If rates spike before closing and they can’t lock within that range, they want the right to exit.
• Stricter appraisal clauses: With price volatility, contracts more often spell out what happens if the buyer agrees to cover an appraisal gap and how much they’re willing to cover.
• Stronger disclosure language: After years of headlines about mold, lead, and structural issues, sellers are facing more detailed disclosure obligations. States regularly update disclosure forms, and purchase agreements often incorporate those by reference.
• Remote signings and e-closings: Agreements increasingly recognize electronic signatures and remote notarization, in line with evolving state laws.

If you want to cross-check any of the legal concepts that show up in these examples of residential purchase agreements, the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School publishes plain-language explanations of contract and property law at law.cornell.edu.

FAQ: examples of residential purchase agreements buyers ask about

What are common examples of residential purchase agreements I might see as a first-time buyer?
You’ll most likely see a standard Realtor® association form tailored to your state, with addenda for financing, inspections, and disclosures. If you’re buying a condo or townhome, expect an additional HOA/condo addendum. In hot markets, the agreement may be modified to shorten contingencies or increase earnest money.

Can you give an example of a strong inspection contingency?
A strong inspection contingency gives you enough time (often 7–15 days) to hire professionals, allows you to cancel in your sole discretion if the report is unsatisfactory, and requires the seller to return your earnest money if you cancel within that window. The best examples also let you request repairs or credits rather than forcing you into an all-or-nothing choice.

Are online templates good examples of residential purchase agreements?
They’re fine for education, but risky as a final contract. Good real examples of residential purchase agreements are state-specific and incorporate local disclosure rules, required notices, and customary timelines. A generic template may leave out protections you didn’t know you needed.

What’s an example of language protecting me if my mortgage is denied?
A typical clause states that the agreement is contingent on the buyer obtaining a loan of a certain type, amount, and maximum interest rate by a specific date. If the lender issues a written denial despite the buyer’s good-faith effort, the buyer can terminate and receive a refund of the earnest money.

Do I really need a lawyer if my agent uses a standard form agreement?
In many states, transactions close every day using standard forms with no attorney involved. That said, if your deal is unusual — new construction with a builder form, seller financing, a major fixer, or a very high price point — having a real estate attorney review the agreement can be money well spent. They can spot issues in the fine print that don’t show up in basic examples of residential purchase agreements.

Final thought

If you’re comparing these examples of examples of residential purchase agreements to a draft sitting in your inbox, pay attention to what’s missing as much as what’s included: contingencies, timelines, and what happens if things go sideways. The form might look standard, but the way it’s filled out — or edited — is where your real risk lives.