Common California Real Estate Documents

A document used to modify, add to, or clarify terms in the purchase agreement after it has been executed by all parties.

A disclosure form where the listing agent documents their visual inspection of the property, noting any observed conditions or potential issues.

An independent valuation of the property conducted by a licensed appraiser to determine fair market value for the lender's collateral purposes.

A comprehensive advisory listing the various inspections and investigations a buyer should consider conducting during the inspection period.

A contract establishing the agency relationship between a buyer and their agent, including compensation terms, duties, and the scope of representation.

An estimate of all costs the buyer will need to pay at closing, including down payment, loan costs, escrow and title fees, and prepaid items.

A form confirming the buyer inspected the property one final time before closing and found it in the agreed-upon condition, with any agreed repairs completed.

A California Franchise Tax Board form used to determine and report state tax withholding on the sale of California real property, filed by escrow on nearly every closing.

The primary contract for purchasing residential real estate in California, containing all terms, conditions, contingencies, and timelines for the transaction.

A form used to cancel the purchase agreement when a party has the right to do so, typically during a contingency period or after a breach.

A federally required disclosure form provided by the lender at least 3 business days before closing, detailing final loan terms, closing costs, and cash required to close.

An agreement documenting the commission structure between brokerages, including any commission offered by the seller or negotiated by the buyer.

Written instructions to escrow specifying exactly how commission is to be calculated, split between brokerages, and disbursed at close of escrow.

An agent-prepared report analyzing recent comparable sales to help determine an appropriate listing price or offer price for a property.

A legally required disclosure that confirms the agency relationships in the transaction, identifying who represents the buyer, seller, or both parties.

A form used by buyers to remove contingencies (inspection, appraisal, loan) from the purchase agreement, signaling increased commitment to complete the transaction.

A response to an offer that proposes different terms, effectively rejecting the original offer and creating a new offer for the other party to consider.

The security instrument recorded alongside the Grant Deed that gives the lender the right to foreclose on the property if the buyer defaults on their loan.

A formal notice demanding that the other party close escrow by a specific date when a transaction has passed its scheduled close of escrow date without a valid reason for delay.

Written instructions to the escrow company detailing how to process the transaction, including handling of funds, documents, and conditions for closing.

An addendum used to extend specific deadlines in the purchase agreement, such as contingency periods or the close of escrow date.

A detailed accounting of all debits and credits for both buyer and seller, showing exactly how funds are distributed at the close of escrow.

A disclosure required for homes in high or very high fire hazard severity zones, informing buyers of wildfire vulnerabilities and any home hardening improvements the seller has completed.

The legal document that transfers ownership of real property from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee), containing warranties that the title has not been previously conveyed.

A package of documents from the homeowners association including CC&Rs, bylaws, financial statements, meeting minutes, and any pending special assessments.

A comprehensive report prepared by a licensed home inspector documenting the condition of the property's major systems, structure, and components.

A decision the buyer makes about how they will legally hold ownership of the property, such as joint tenancy, community property, or through a trust, which determines the vesting language on the Grant Deed.

Documentation regarding the transfer of keys, access devices, and possession of the property, including any agreements for early possession or seller rent-back.