How to Set Clear Expectations With the Seller During Contract Signing

If you’ve never sold a property off-market before, signing a purchase agreement can feel… intense.

You’ve talked to a buyer, maybe agreed on a number, but now there’s paperwork. Questions. Worries. And probably more than a little hesitation.

At Goliath, we work with first-time sellers every day. We know the stress, and we know exactly how to make it simple.

This guide walks you through the entire contract-signing process, step by step, in plain language, so you feel confident, not confused.

No legal jargon. No pressure. Just clarity.

Step 1: Verbal Agreement and Offer Recap

Before anything gets signed, both sides should be on the same page.

• The buyer (you, your rep, or your investor contact) confirms:
  
  
  
  

  • The price

  • The timeline to close

  • Any additional terms (e.g., “you can leave stuff behind,” “we’ll handle closing costs”)

If anything feels off, this is the time to ask questions. A good buyer will walk you through the logic behind the offer and won’t rush you.

Step 2: Receive the Purchase Agreement

Next, the buyer sends over a written document called a Purchase and Sale Agreement (or PSA). This is the contract.

You’ll usually receive it:

• As a PDF via email

• Or through an e-sign platform like DocuSign

You do not need to print or scan anything. Today’s contracts are signed digitally from your phone or computer.

The agreement will typically include:

• Buyer and seller names

• Property address

• Purchase price

• Earnest money amount (usually $100–$1,000 as a show of commitment)

• Closing date or time frame (e.g., “on or before September 30”)

• “As-is” language (says you’re not responsible for repairs)

• Title company information

• Signatures for both parties

Step 3: Review the Contract Carefully

Take your time. Read the contract, even if it looks intimidating at first.

Focus on:

• Price. Is it the amount you agreed on?

• Timeline. Does the closing date work for you?

• Conditions. Are there any unexpected clauses or strange terms?

• Responsibility. Are you responsible for anything you didn’t expect?

If anything seems off, speak up. A professional buyer will gladly clarify or adjust the contract if something doesn’t align with the agreement.

You’re allowed to ask for:

• A day to review

• A call to walk through it together

• A second opinion from a friend, family member, or attorney

Don’t sign until you feel clear.

Step 4: Sign Electronically

Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to sign.

If you’re using something like DocuSign:

• Open the email

• Click “Review Document”

• Tap or click to add your initials/signature where prompted

• Hit “Finish” when you’re done

It usually takes less than 5 minutes.

Once you sign, the buyer will countersign and send a final copy. You’ll both get a copy via email for your records.

You are not locked in forever. Most contracts include a short inspection or due diligence period if either party needs to back out.

Step 5: Title Company Gets the Green Light

After both signatures are in, the contract is sent to a title company, a neutral third party that handles:

• Legal paperwork

• Ownership transfer

• Lien or debt searches

• Preparing the closing documents

• Holding and releasing the money

The title company is your ally. You’ll often receive a call or email from them to:

• Introduce themselves

• Request basic ID documents

• Explain the process from their end

You can ask them anything. They’re used to working with sellers who’ve never done this before.

Step 6: Prepare for Closing Day

While the title company is doing its work behind the scenes, the buyer might schedule:

• An inspection (if agreed upon)

• A walkthrough or set of photos (usually for their lender or partner)

• A check-in call to confirm you’re still good to go

You don’t have to move out right away. Your agreement should state your move-out timeline. If not, confirm it now.

Pro tip: If you need more time to move after closing, that can often be arranged in writing before the contract is finalized.

Step 7: Close the Deal

Closing usually happens at the title company or remotely via mobile notary.

What you’ll need:

• A valid ID (driver’s license or passport)

• Any keys, garage openers, etc.

• Your bank account info (for wire transfer)

• Your signature on a few documents confirming the sale

Once signed, the buyer sends their funds to the title company. You receive your payment via wire transfer or check, typically the same day (or next business day).

And that’s it, you’ve sold the property.

What If Something Comes Up Before Closing?

Life happens.

If you change your mind, something unexpected delays your move, or a new issue pops up (like a lien or family member dispute), communicate immediately.

In most cases, the buyer can work with you to:

• Extend the closing

• Adjust terms

• Solve unexpected paperwork issues

It’s far easier to fix something before closing than after. Be honest. The contract isn’t a trap. It’s a tool to keep both sides accountable.

Simpler Than It Looks

The first time signing a contract can feel like a big deal, and it is.

But with the right team, a clear agreement, and a bit of guidance, it becomes a smooth, low-stress process.

Just remember:

• Ask questions

• Read everything

• Don’t rush

• And only sign when you feel confident

You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.