FSBO Purchase Agreement Template Word Checklist: Everything You Need in 2026

Hook: You can lock in a buyer‑seller contract for $0 (the Word template) and avoid a 5–6% commission that would cost a $350,000 home $19,250–$21,000. Follow this checklist to build a legally solid agreement that protects you from day one to closing.

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Direct answer (40‑60 words)

The FSBO purchase agreement you create in Word must include (1) property description, (2) purchase price and financing terms, (3) contingencies, (4) disclosures, (5) closing timeline, (6) default remedies, and (7) signatures with notarization where required. Use the table below to see which sections cost extra if you hire an attorney versus using the free Sellable template.

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Before You Draft: Preparation Checklist

Action steps

1. Search county records on the county clerk’s portal using the parcel ID. Save the PDF for attachment.
2. Log into your state’s real‑estate disclosure portal (e.g., California’s DSR) and download the latest forms.
3. Create a folder named “FSBO_[YourAddress]_[Date]” and store every PDF, email, and note.

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During Drafting: Word Template Sections

1. Header & Parties

• Insert the full legal description of the property (lot, block, subdivision).
• List the seller’s full legal name and the buyer’s full legal name.

2. Purchase Price & Earnest Money

• State the exact amount (e.g., $345,000).
• Specify earnest money amount (commonly 1% of price) and where it will be held (escrow agent).

3. Financing Terms

• If cash, write “All‑cash transaction, no financing.”
• If mortgage, note type, interest rate range, loan‑to‑value, and contingency deadline (usually 10 business days).

4. Contingencies

5. Disclosures & Addenda

• Attach the lead‑based paint disclosure (mandatory for homes built before 1978).
• Add flood zone and radon reports if applicable.
• Include an HOA addendum if the property belongs to a homeowners association.

6. Closing & Possession

• Set the closing date (e.g., September 30, 2026).
• State possession date (often “same day as closing”).

7. Default & Remedies

• Define buyer default (loss of earnest money) and seller default (return of earnest money plus $1,000 liquidated damages).

8. Signatures & Notarization

• Provide signature lines for both parties, witnesses (if state requires), and a notary block.
• Include a date line for each signature.

9. Attachments Checklist (append to the end of the Word file)

• County deed excerpt
• Latest tax bill
• All disclosures
• Inspection report (if already done)

Action steps (Numbered)

1. Open the free Sellable Word template at sellabl.app/templates and save a copy as “Purchase_Agreement_[YourAddress].docx”.
2. Fill in Header & Parties using the legal description PDF.
3. Input Purchase Price and Earnest Money figures from your negotiation notes.
4. Add a Financing Clause that matches the buyer’s loan pre‑approval letter.
5. Insert a Contingency Table (copy the one above) and adjust dates to match your schedule.
6. Drag‑and‑drop each disclosure PDF into the “Attachments” section; rename them clearly (e.g., “Lead_Disclosure_2026.pdf”).
7. Print the document, have both parties sign, and then notarize at a local bank or UPS Store.
8. Scan the signed, notarized pages back into the same folder; email a PDF copy to the buyer and keep the original for escrow.

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After Signing: Execution Checklist

Action steps (Bulleted)

• Email escrow the signed contract and all attachments.
• Ask the buyer for a copy of their loan commitment; set a reminder to follow up if not received by the financing contingency deadline.
• Call the title company and confirm the title search will be completed by the appraisal contingency date.
• Create a “Closing Day Checklist” in a new Word file: keys, garage remotes, HOA transfer fees, and any agreed‑upon repair receipts.

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Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Attorney‑Drafted Agreement

Numbers reflect national averages; local attorney fees can vary. Verify your state’s filing fees (often $15‑$30 per document).

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Sources and Assumptions

• County recorder websites for ownership verification.
• State real‑estate disclosure portals (e.g., California DSR, Texas Real Estate Commission).
• National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2025‑2026 survey for typical earnest money percentages.
• Average attorney billing rates from the American Bar Association’s 2026 fee study.

You should confirm the exact amounts and deadlines with your local county, title company, and lender, because regulations differ by jurisdiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I name the Word file so the buyer can find it easily?
Use the format Purchase_Agreement_[StreetNumber]_[StreetName]_[YYYYMMDD].docx. Example: Purchase_Agreement_123_MainSt_20260509.docx.

2. Do I need a notary for the FSBO purchase agreement in 2026?
Many states require notarization of the signatures on the deed, not the purchase agreement itself. However, notarizing the agreement adds credibility and satisfies lenders that often demand a notarized contract.

3. Can I waive the inspection contingency?
Yes, but only if you’re comfortable accepting the home “as‑is.” Removing the contingency speeds up closing but eliminates the buyer’s right to request repairs after the inspection.

4. How much earnest money is typical for a $350,000 home in 2026?
Most buyers deposit 1% of the purchase price, so about $3,500. Some markets accept 0.5%; adjust based on local customs.

5. What happens if the buyer defaults after the closing date?
The seller can keep the earnest money as liquidated damages and may sue for any additional losses. Include a default clause that specifies a $1,000 penalty plus any unrecovered costs.

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Ready to start? Grab the free template, follow this checklist, and keep more of your home’s equity than you would with a 5–6% agent commission. Happy selling!