Contract Review Checklist

A structured final review for contract accuracy, addenda, brokerage compliance, risk flags and decision points.

Real estate contracts contain many moving parts. This checklist provides a disciplined final review so important names, dates, signatures, addenda and potential risk areas are less likely to be overlooked.

Important: This checklist is an organizational review tool. It is not legal advice and does not replace review of the actual contract, addenda, brokerage requirements or advice from a qualified attorney when appropriate.

Contract Accuracy Checks

Correct association form used (FAR/BAR, NABOR, etc.)
Correct revision date of contract
All buyer names correct and match ID
All seller names correct and match title
Property address correct (matches MLS and legal)
Legal description correct
All pages present
All buyer initials present
All seller initials present
All buyer and seller signatures present
Agent and broker license numbers correct
Brokerage names correct
Escrow agent and contact information correct
Earnest money delivery method specified
Dates written clearly with no ambiguity
No spelling errors or typos in names or address
No conflicting terms between sections
All addenda correctly attached and referenced
HOA/Condo rider included if applicable
Lead-based paint disclosure included if applicable
FIRPTA status completed
Financing addendum version correct
Appraisal addendum version correct
Inspection addendum version correct
Any handwritten changes initialed by all parties

Addenda Completeness

All addenda listed in the contract are attached
No extra addenda attached that are not listed
All addenda fully initialed
All addenda fully signed
All addenda dates match the main contract

Brokerage Compliance

Brokerage-required forms included
Brokerage disclosures completed
Commission agreement attached if required
Escrow verification completed
Any required brokerage signatures present

Risk Flags

Tight inspection window
Appraisal risk
Financing risk
Title/survey risk
HOA/Condo document risk
Insurance availability risk
Closing timeline risk

Decision Summary

Strengths of offer
Weaknesses of offer
Required counter terms
Final recommendation

Want the printable checklist?

Download the concise contract review checklist for use during a final contract review.

Download the Contract Review Checklist

Need help evaluating a real estate offer?

I help sellers look beyond the headline price and work through the contract terms, timelines and practical risks that can affect a transaction.

Scott Norris, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Realty
Sarasota • Bradenton • Longboat Key
scottnorris.com

Seller resource from By the Numbers: Florida Sun Coast Real Estate Insights.