Selling your home without an agent can save thousands in commission fees. However, drafting a clear, legally sound real estate contract for sale by owner is crucial to protect both parties. Without the right agreement, disputes over price, terms, or property condition can arise. This guide shares free FSBO contract templates and shows you how to fill them out correctly so your sale runs smoothly.
Part 1: How to Create a Real Estate Contract for Sale by Owner
When selling property without a real estate agent, you must prepare a legally enforceable agreement that covers all essential terms. A real estate contract for sale by owner outlines the responsibilities of both buyer and seller, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures compliance with state property laws. Whether you use an FSBO contract template or draft your own, these are the key elements to include:
1. Purchase Price & Deposit
State the agreed purchase price clearly, along with any earnest money deposit the buyer will provide. The deposit shows the buyer’s commitment and is usually held in escrow until closing. Include details on how and when the payment will be made, and specify whether the deposit is refundable under certain conditions, such as inspection failures or financing denial.
2. Property Description
Provide the property’s full legal description, not just the street address. This ensures there’s no ambiguity about what is being sold. If your property includes fixtures, appliances, or other assets, list them in this section. A complete property description is especially important if you’re using a simple real estate purchase agreement PDF, as it prevents confusion during title transfer.
3. Contingencies & Disclosures
Contingencies are conditions that must be met before the sale can close. Common ones include home inspection, financing approval, and appraisal requirements. Disclosures involve informing the buyer of any known defects, past repairs, or environmental hazards. Some states have mandatory disclosure forms; check your local laws before finalizing the agreement.
4. Closing Date
Specify the exact date or time frame for closing. Include details on where the closing will occur, who will handle the paperwork, and any prorated costs for taxes or utilities. If delays are possible, include a clause describing how extensions will be handled.
In my experience, first-time sellers using a for-sale-by-owner real estate agreement often underestimate the importance of clarity in these sections. Ambiguity over payment deadlines or property condition can lead to disputes, even with well-intentioned buyers. The safest approach is to adopt a proven FSBO contract template and adjust it to match your state’s legal requirements.
Part 2: 10 FSBO Contract Templates [Free Download]
Choosing the right real estate contract for a sale by owner can make the selling process smoother and protect you from legal issues. Below are ten of the most useful FSBO contract templates in Word format and PDF format, each suited for different situations.
Top 10 FSBO Contract Templates in Word Format (Free Download)
1. Editable FSBO Home Sale Agreement (Word)
Best for homeowners who want a clean, editable document they can customize in Microsoft Word or WPS Writer. Ideal for general property sales without special contingencies.
2. Residential Real Estate Sales Contract (Word)
A straightforward for-sale-by-owner real estate agreement is great for quick deals where the terms are already agreed upon.
3. For Sale By Owner Purchase Agreement Template
Includes professional clauses and optional addendums. Recommended for sellers working without a realtor but needing robust legal language.
4. Real Estate Purchase Agreement Template (Word Export)
Can be downloaded in both Word and PDF. Includes e-signature integration for faster closings.
5. Jotform FSBO Contract Template (Word/PDF)
A fillable online form that can be exported as a simple real estate contract for sale by owner in Word format. Perfect for sellers comfortable with digital tools.
6. Colorado FSBO Contract (Convert from Fillable PDF)
Official state-specific agreement that can be converted into Word format for edits. Suited for Colorado transactions.
7. Land FSBO Purchase Agreement (Word Version)
Best for vacant land sales, with clauses tailored to non-residential property deals.
8. FSBO Sale Agreement with Contingencies
Includes contingency clauses for inspections, financing, and repairs.
9. Printable FSBO Contract (Word)
A simple, easy-to-edit document for sellers who want a basic agreement.
10. FSBO Buyer Contract (Customizable Template)
Allows customization for unique property terms, useful for investors or rental property sales.
Top 10 FSBO Contract Templates in PDF Format (Free Download)
1. Basic FSBO Contract (Printable PDF)
A minimalistic, print-ready agreement for straightforward sales.
2. Residential Contract for FSBO Sale (PDF)
Best for sellers wanting a clean, one-page layout.
3. California FSBO Sample Contract (PDF)
California-specific legal form with required disclosures.
4. Real Estate Sales Contract – Fillable PDF
A professional fillable form suitable for most states.
5. Colorado Official FSBO Contract – PDF Fillable
Authorized by the Colorado Division of Real Estate, ready for immediate use.
6. Owner-Financed Real Estate Contract (PDF)
Ideal for deals where the seller provides financing.
7. LegalZoom Real Estate Purchase Contract
Professionally prepared form with optional legal guidance.
8. Quick FSBO Agreement – PDF Format
Good for urgent sales requiring quick documentation.
9. FormSwift Blank FSBO Agreement (PDF)
Simple, fill-in-the-blank style, best for first-time sellers.
10. FSBO Agreement Example (PDF)
Provides a sample layout showing how investor purchases are documented.
I’ve found that starting with a downloadable real estate contract for sale by owner PDF can save hours of formatting. You can fill it directly or import it into WPS Office for quick editing. The choice between Word and PDF often depends on whether you need a simple print-and-sign document or a file that can be updated repeatedly during negotiations.
Part 3: How to Edit or Fill FSBO Contracts Properly Using WPS Office
Once you’ve chosen a real estate contract for sale by owner template, the next step is to customize it with your property details. WPS Office is a free, all-in-one office suite that makes it easy to edit both Word documents and fillable PDFs, perfect for FSBO sellers who want full control over their paperwork.
Editing an FSBO Contract in PDF Format (Using WPS PDF Editor)
Step 1: Open the PDF in WPS Office
Launch WPS Office and switch to the PDF Editor.
Click Open File, then select your FSBO contract template (e.g., real estate contract for sale by owner PDF).
Step 2: Enable Edit Mode
Select Edit PDF from the toolbar.
This allows you to modify text, fill fields, or adjust formatting.
Step 3: Fill in Key Details
Update the Purchase Price, Property Address, and Buyer/Seller names.
If the template is fillable, simply click each field and type in your information.
Step 4: Add Clauses or Disclosures
Use the Insert Text tool to add contingencies, financing terms, or disclosures required by your state.
Step 5: Save and Export
Click File → Save As to save changes.
Export as a PDF for printing or sharing securely with the buyer.
Editing an FSBO Contract in Word Format (Using WPS Writer)
Step 1: Open the Word Template
Download your chosen FSBO contract template in .doc or .docx format.
Open it in WPS Writer for full editing control.
Step 2: Customize Sections
Replace placeholder text with your property details.
Adjust payment schedules, deposit amounts, and deadlines.
Step 3: Add State-Specific Clauses
If your state requires extra disclosures, add them directly in the document.
You can insert a contingencies section to protect your interests.
Step 4: Format for Clarity
Use headings and bullet points for easy reading.
Keep sentences short to avoid confusion in legal language.
Step 5: Save and Convert
Once complete, save the file in Word format for future edits.
Export to PDF to finalize the agreement for signatures.
When I help sellers prepare a for sale by owner real estate agreement, I always recommend keeping both the editable file and a locked PDF copy. The editable version lets you make quick changes if terms shift during negotiation, while the PDF ensures no unauthorized edits after both parties agree.
FAQs
Q1: Is a contract for sale by owner legally valid?
Yes. A real estate contract for sale by owner is legally binding if it is properly completed, signed by both the buyer and seller, and complies with state property laws. Many sellers use an FSBO contract template to ensure they include all required clauses and disclosures.
Q2: Can I use a free contract for all U.S. states?
Not exactly. While a simple real estate purchase agreement PDF may work in most states, each state can have unique legal requirements. For example, some states require special lead-based paint disclosures or attorney review periods. Always adapt the template to match your state’s laws.
Q3: Do I need a notary for an FSBO contract?
Not always. Most private sales can be finalized without notarization, but having a notary verify the signatures adds an extra layer of security. If financing or a mortgage is involved, your lender may require notarization.
Q4: Can I cancel a signed FSBO agreement?
Only if the agreement allows it. Common cancellation clauses include failed inspections, financing issues, or unmet contingencies. Without such clauses, canceling could expose you to legal or financial penalties.
Q5: Can I edit a PDF contract without special software?
Yes. WPS Office allows you to edit a real estate contract for sale by owner PDF directly, including changing text, adding clauses, and filling form fields. You can then save or export it as a secure PDF for signing.
Q6: What’s the difference between a simple FSBO contract and a lawyer-drafted agreement?
A simple template covers the basic sale terms and works for straightforward deals. A lawyer-drafted contract may include additional legal protections, complex contingencies, and state-specific language. If your sale involves unusual terms, a legal review is wise.
