Fillable Printable House Sale Contract Form - New York

House Sale Contract Form - New York

Warning: No representation is made that this form of contract for the sale and

purchase of real estate complies with Section 5-702 of the General Obligations

Law (“Plain Language Law”).

CONSULT YOUR LAWYER BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT

NOTE: FIRE AND CASUALTY LOSSES AND CONDEMNATION

This contract form does not provide for what happens in the event of fire, or other

casualty loss or condemnation before the title closing. Unless different provision

is made in this contract, Section 5-1311 of the General Obligations Law will

apply. One part of that law makes a Purchaser responsible for fire and casualty

loss upon taking possession of the Premises before the title closing.

Residential Contract of Sale

Contract of Sale made as of __________________________________ between

________________________________________________________________ Address:

__________________________________________________________________ Social

Security Number/ Fed. I.D. No(s): _____________________ hereinafter called “Seller”

and ____________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

Social Security Number/ Fed. I.D. No(s): _____________________ hereinafter called

“Purchaser”.

The parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Premises. Seller shall sell and convey and Purchaser shall purchase the

property, together with all buildings and improvements thereon (collectively the

“Premises”), more fully described on a separate page marked “Schedule A”, annexed

hereto and made a part hereof and also known as: ________________________ Street

Address: __________________________________________________________. Tax

Map Designation: ___________________________________________.

Together with Seller’s ownership and rights, if any, to land lying in the bed of any street

or highway, opened or proposed, adjoining the Premises to the center line thereof,

including any right of Seller to any unpaid award by reason of any taking by

condemnation and/or for any damage to the Premises by reason of change of grade of any

street or highway. Seller shall deliver at no additional cost to Purchaser, at Closing (as

hereinafter defined), or thereafter, on demand, any documents that Purchaser may

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reasonably require for the conveyance of such title and the assignment and collection of

such award or damages.

2. Personal Property. This sale also includes all fixtures and articles of personal

property now attached or appurtenant to the Premises, unless specifically excluded

below. Seller represents and warrants that at Closing they will he paid for and owned by

Seller, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except any existing mortgage to

which this sale may be subject. They include, but are not limited to, plumbing, heating,

lighting and cooking fixtures, chandeliers, bathroom and kitchen cabinets and counters,

mantels, door mirrors, switch plates and door hardware, venetian blinds, window

treatments, shades, screens, awnings, storm windows, storm doors, window boxes, mail

box, TV aerials, weather vane, flagpole, pumps, shrubbery, fencing, outdoor statuary,

tool shed, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, garbage disposal unit, range,

oven, built-in microwave oven, refrigerator, freezer, air conditioning equipment and

installations, wall to wall carpeting and built-ins not excluded below (strike out

inapplicable items).

Excluded from this sale are furniture and household furnishings and

3. Purchase Price. The purchase price is ____________________________

($_____________), payable as follows:

(a) on the signing of this contract, by Purchaser’s good check payable to

the Escrowee (as hereinafter defined), subject to collection, the receipt of which is hereby

acknowledged, to be held in escrow pursuant to paragraph 6 of this contract (the

“Downpayment”): $_____________.

(b) by allowance for the principal amount unpaid on the existing mortgage

on the date hereof, payment of which Purchaser shall assume by joinder in the deed:

$_____________.

(d) balance at Closing in accordance with paragraph 7:

$_____________.

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4. Existing Mortgage. (Delete if inapplicable) If this sale is subject to an

existing mortgage as indicated in paragraph 3(b) above:

(a) The Premises shall be conveyed subject to the continuing lien of the

existing mortgage, which is presently payable, with interest at the rate of ___________

percent per annum, in monthly installments of $__________ which include principal,

interest and escrow amounts, if any, and with any balance of principal being due and

payable on ______________________________.

(b) To the extent that any required payments are made on the existing

mortgage between the date hereof and Closing which reduce the unpaid principal amount

thereof below the amount shown in paragraph 3(b), then the balance of the price payable

at Closing under paragraph 3(d) shall be increased by the amount of the payments of

principal. Seller represents and warrants that the amount shown in paragraph 3(b) is

substantially correct and agrees that only payments required by the existing mortgage will

be made between the date hereof and Closing.

Purchaser, if it can be assigned, and in that case Purchaser shall pay the amount in the

escrow account to Seller at Closing.

(d) Seller shall deliver to Purchaser at Closing a certificate dated not more

than 30 days before Closing signed by the holder of the existing mortgage, in form for

recording, certifying the amount of the unpaid principal, the date to which interest has

been paid and the amounts, if any, claimed to be unpaid for principal and interest,

itemizing the same. Seller shall pay the fees for recording such certificate. If the holder of

the existing mortgage is a bank or other institution as defined in Section 274-a of the Real

Property Law it may, instead of the certificate, furnish a letter signed by a duly

authorized officer, employee or agent, dated not more than 30 days before Closing,

containing the same information.

(e) Seller represents and warrants that (i) Seller has delivered to Purchaser

true and complete copies of the existing mortgage, the note secured thereby and any

extensions and modifications thereof, (ii) the existing mortgage is not now, and at the

time of Closing will not be, in default, and (iii) the existing mortgage does not contain

any provision that permits the holder of the mortgage to require its immediate payment in

full or to change any other term thereof by reason of the sale or conveyance of the

Premises.

5. Purchase Money Mortgage. (Delete if inapplicable) If there is to be a

purchase money mortgage as indicated in paragraph 3(c) above:

(a) The purchase money note and mortgage shall be drawn by the attorney

for Seller in the form attached or, if not, in the standard form adopted by the New York

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State Land Title Association. Purchaser shall pay at Closing the mortgage recording tax,

recording fees and the attorney’s fees in the amount of $__________ for its preparation.

(b) The purchase money note and mortgage shall also provide that it is

subject and subordinate to the lien of the existing mortgage and any extensions,

modifications, replacements or consolidations of the existing mortgage, provided that (i)

the interest rate thereof shall not be greater than __________ percent per annum and the

total debt service thereunder shall not be greater than $ __________________ per annum,

and (ii) if the principal amount thereof shall exceed the amount of principal owing and

unpaid on the existing mortgage at the time of placing such new mortgage or

consolidated mortgage, the excess be paid to the holder of such purchase money

mortgage in reduction of the principal thereof. The purchase money mortgage shall also

provide that such payment to the holder thereof shall not alter or affect the regular

installments, if any, of principal payable thereunder and that the holder thereof will, on

demand and without charge therefor, execute, acknowledge and deliver any agreement or

agreements further to effectuate such subordination.

6. Downpayment in Escrow. (a) Seller’s attorney (“Escrowee”) shall hold the

Downpayment in escrow in a segregated bank account at

____________________________, address: __________________________________,

until Closing or sooner termination of this contract and shall pay over or apply the

Downpayment in accordance with the terms of this paragraph. Escrowee shall hold the

Downpayment in a(n) _________-bearing account for the benefit of the parties. If interest

is held for the benefit of the parties, it shall be paid to the party entitled to the

Downpayment and the party receiving the interest shall pay any income taxes thereon. If

interest is not held for the benefit of the parties, the Downpayment shall be placed in an

IOLA account or as otherwise permitted or required by law. The Social Security or

Federal Identification numbers of the parties shall be furnished to Escrowee upon request.

At Closing, the Downpayment shall be paid by Escrowee to Seller. If for any reason

Closing does not occur and either party gives Notice (as defined in paragraph 25) to

Escrowee demanding payment of the Downpayment, Escrowee shall give prompt Notice

to the other party of such demand. If Escrowee does not receive Notice of objection from

such other party to the proposed payment within 10 business days after the giving of such

Notice, Escrowee is hereby authorized and directed to make such payment. If Escrowee

does receive such Notice of objection within such 10 day period or if for any other reason

Escrowee in good faith shall elect not to make such payment, Escrowee shall continue to

hold such amount until otherwise directed by Notice from the parties to this contract or a

final, nonappealable judgment, order or decree of a court. However, Escrowee shall have

the right at any time to deposit the Downpayment and the interest thereon with the clerk

of a court in the county in which the Premises are located and shall give Notice of such

deposit to Seller and Purchaser. Upon such deposit or other disbursement in accordance

with the terms of this paragraph, Escrowee shall be relieved and discharged of all further

obligations and responsibilities hereunder.

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(b) The parties acknowledge that Escrowee is acting solely as a

stakeholder at their request and for their convenience and that Escrowee shall not be

liable to either party for any act or omission on its part unless taken or suffered in bad

faith or in willful disregard of this contract or involving gross negligence on the part of

Escrowee. Seller and Purchaser jointly and severally (with right of contribution) agree to

defend (by attorneys selected by Escrowee), indemnify and hold Escrowee harmless from

and against all costs, claims and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred

in connection with the performance of Escrowee’s duties hereunder, except with respect

to actions or omissions taken or suffered by Escrowee in bad faith or in willful disregard

of this contract or involving gross negligence on the part of Escrowee.

referred to herein in full reliance upon and with the advice of counsel which may be

selected by it (including any member of its firm) and shall be fully protected in so acting

or refraining from action upon the advice of such counsel.

(d) Escrowee acknowledges receipt of the Downpayment by check subject

to collection and Escrowee’s agreement to the provisions of this paragraph by signing in

the place indicated on the signature page of this contract.

(e) Escrowee or any member of its firm shall be permitted to act as

counsel for Seller in any dispute as to the disbursement of the Downpayment or any other

dispute between the parties whether or not Escrowee is in possession of the

Downpayment and continues to act as Escrowee.

(f) The party whose attorney is Escrowee shall be liable for loss of the

Downpayment.

7. Acceptable Funds. All money payable under this contract, unless otherwise

specified, shall be paid by:

(a) Cash, but not over $1,000.00;

(b) Good certified check of Purchaser drawn on or official check issued by

any bank, savings bank, trust company or savings and loan association having a banking

office in the State of New York, unendorsed and payable to the order of Seller, or as

Seller may otherwise direct upon reasonable prior notice (by telephone or otherwise) to

Purchaser;

uncertified check of Purchaser up to the amount of $_______________; and

(d) As otherwise agreed to in writing by Seller or Seller’s attorney.

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8. Mortgage Commitment Contingency. (Delete paragraph if inapplicable)

(a) The obligation of Purchaser to purchase under this contract is

conditioned upon issuance, on or before ____________ days after a fully executed copy

of this contract is given to Purchaser or Purchaser’s attorney in the manner set forth in

paragraph 25 or subparagraph 8(k) (the “Commitment Date”), of a written commitment

from an Institutional Lender pursuant to which such Institutional Lender agrees to make a

first mortgage loan, other than a VA, FHA or other governmentally insured loan, to

Purchaser, at Purchaser's sole cost and expense, of $______________ for a term of at

least _______ years (or such lesser sum or shorter term as Purchaser shall be willing to

accept) at the prevailing fixed or adjustable rate of interest and on other customary

commitment terms (the “Commitment”). To the extent a Commitment is conditioned on

the sale of Purchaser’s current home, payment of any outstanding debt, no material

adverse change in Purchaser’s financial condition or any other customary conditions,

Purchaser accepts the risk that such conditions may not be met; however, a commitment

conditioned on the Institutional Lender’s approval of an appraisal shall not be deemed a

“Commitment” hereunder until an appraisal is approved (and if that does not occur before

the Commitment Date, Purchaser may cancel under subparagraph 8(e) unless the

Commitment Date is extended). Purchaser’s obligations hereunder are conditioned only

on issuance of a Commitment. Once a Commitment is issued, Purchaser is bound under

this contract even if the lender fails or refuses to fund the loan for any reason.

(b) Purchaser shall (i) make prompt application to one or, at Purchaser’s

election, more than one Institutional Lender for such mortgage loan, (ii) furnish accurate

and complete information regarding Purchaser and members of Purchaser’s family, as

required, (iii) pay all fees, points and charges required in connection with such

application and loan, (iv) pursue such application with diligence, and (v) cooperate in

good faith with such Institutional Lender(s) to obtain a Commitment. Purchaser shall

accept a Commitment meeting the terms set forth in subparagraph 8(a) and shall comply

with all requirements of such Commitment (or any other commitment accepted by

Purchaser). Purchaser shall furnish Seller with a copy of the Commitment promptly after

receipt thereof.

Purchaser of an application to a mortgage broker registered pursuant to Article 12-D of

the New York Banking Law (“Mortgage Broker”) shall constitute full compliance with

the terms and conditions set forth in subparagraph 8(b)(i), provided that such Mortgage

Broker promptly submits such application to such Institutional Lender(s). Purchaser shall

cooperate in good faith with such Mortgage Broker to obtain a Commitment from such

Institutional Lender(s).

(d) If all Institutional Lenders to whom applications were made deny such

applications in writing prior to the Commitment Date, Purchaser may cancel this contract

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by giving Notice thereof to Seller, with a copy of such denials, provided that Purchaser

has complied with all its obligations under this paragraph 8.

(e) If no Commitment is issued by the Institutional Lender on or before

the Commitment Date, then, unless Purchaser has accepted a written commitment from

an Institutional Lender that does not conform to the terms set forth in subparagraph 8(a),

Purchaser may cancel this contract by giving Notice to Seller within 5 business days after

the Commitment Date, provided that such Notice includes the name and address of the

Institutional Lender(s) to whom application was made and that Purchaser has complied

with all its obligations under this paragraph 8.

(f) If this contract is canceled by Purchaser pursuant to subparagraphs

8(d) or (e), neither party shall thereafter have any further rights against, or obligations or

liabilities to, the other by reason of this contract, except that the Downpayment shall be

promptly refunded to Purchaser and except as set forth in paragraph 27.

(g) If Purchaser fails to give timely Notice of cancellation or if Purchaser

accepts a written commitment from an Institutional Lender that does not conform to the

terms set forth in subparagraph 8(a), then Purchaser shall be deemed to have waived

Purchaser’s right to cancel this contract and to receive a refund of the Downpayment by

reason of the contingency contained in this paragraph 8.

(h) If Seller has not received a copy of a commitment from an Institutional

Lender accepted by Purchaser by the Commitment Date, Seller may cancel this contract

by giving Notice to Purchaser within 5 business days after the Commitment Date, which

cancellation shall become effective unless Purchaser delivers a copy of such commitment

to Seller within 10 business days after the Commitment Date. After such cancellation

neither party shall have any further rights against, or obligations or liabilities to, the other

by reason of this contract, except that the Downpayment shall be promptly refunded to

Purchaser (provided Purchaser has complied with all of its obligations under this

paragraph 8) and except as set forth in paragraph 27.

(i) The attorneys for the parties are hereby authorized to give and receive

on behalf of their clients all Notices and deliveries under this paragraph 8.

(j) For purposes of this contract, the term “Institutional Lender” shall

mean any bank, savings bank, private banker, trust company, savings and loan

association, credit union or similar banking institution whether organized under the laws

of this state, the United States or any other state; foreign banking corporation licensed by

the Superintendent of Banks of New York or regulated by the Comptroller of the

Currency to transact business in New York State; insurance company duly organized or

licensed to do business in New York State; mortgage banker licensed pursuant to Article

12-D of the Banking Law; and any instrumentality created by the United States or any

state with the power to make mortgage loans.

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(k) For purposes of subparagraph (a), Purchaser shall be deemed to have

been given a fully executed copy of this contract on the third business day following the

date of ordinary or regular mailing, postage prepaid.

9. Permitted Exceptions. The Premises are sold and shall be conveyed subject

to:

(a) Zoning and subdivision laws and regulations, and landmark, historic or

wetlands designation, provided that they are not violated by the existing buildings and

improvements erected on the property or their use;

(b) Consents for the erection of any structures on, under or above any

streets on which the Premises abut;

upon any street or highway;

(d) Real estate taxes that are a lien, but are not yet due and payable; and

(e) The other matters, if any, including a survey exception, set forth in a

Rider attached.

10. Governmental Violations and Orders. (a) Seller shall comply with all notes

or notices of violations of law or municipal ordinances, orders or requirements noted or

issued as of the date hereof by any governmental department having authority as to lands,

housing, buildings, fire, health, environmental and labor conditions affecting the

Premises. The Premises shall be conveyed free of them at Closing. Seller shall furnish

Purchaser with any authorizations necessary to make the searches that could disclose

these matters.

(b) (Delete if inapplicable) All obligations affecting the Premises pursuant

to the Administrative Code of the City of New York incurred prior to Closing and

payable in money shall be discharged by Seller at or prior to Closing.

11. Seller’s Representations. (a) Seller represents and warrants to Purchaser that:

(i) The Premises abut or have a right of access to a public road;

(ii) Seller is the sole owner of the Premises and has the full right,

power and authority to sell, convey and transfer the same in accordance with the terms of

this contract;

(iii) Seller is not a “foreign person”, as that term is defined for

purposes of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, Internal Revenue Code

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(“IRC”) Section 1445, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder

(collectively “FIRPTA”);

(iv) The Premises are not affected by any exemptions or

abatements of taxes; and

(v) Seller has been known by no other name for the past ten

years, except _____________________________________.

(b) Seller covenants and warrants that all of the representations and

warranties set forth in this contract shall be true and correct at Closing.

Seller’s covenants, representations, warranties or other obligations contained in this

contract shall survive Closing.

12. Condition of Property. Purchaser acknowledges and represents that

Purchaser is fully aware of the physical condition and state of repair of the Premises and

of all other property included in this sale, based on Purchaser’s own inspection and

investigation thereof, and that Purchaser is entering into this contract based solely upon

such inspection and investigation and not upon any information, data, statements or

representations, written or oral, as to the physical condition, state of repair, use, cost of

operation or any other matter related to the Premises or the other property included in the

sale, given or made by Seller or its representatives, and shall accept the same “as is” in

their present condition and state of repair, subject to reasonable use, wear, tear and

natural deterioration between the date hereof and the date of Closing (except as otherwise

set forth in paragraph 16(e)), without any reduction in the purchase price or claim of any

kind for any change in such condition by reason thereof subsequent to the date of this

contract. Purchaser and its authorized representatives shall have the right, at reasonable

times and upon reasonable notice (by telephone or otherwise) to Seller, to inspect the

Premises before Closing.

13. Insurable Title. Seller shall give and Purchaser shall accept such title as

_______________________________________________________________ shall be

willing to approve and insure in accordance with its standard form of title policy

approved by the New York State Insurance Department, subject only to the matters

provided for in this contract.

14. Closing, Deed and Title. (a) “Closing” means the settlement of the

obligations of Seller and Purchaser to each other under this contract, including the

payment of the purchase price to Seller, and the delivery to Purchaser of a

____________________________________________ deed in proper statutory short

form for record, duly executed and acknowledged, so as to convey to Purchaser fee

simple title to the Premises, free of all encumbrances, except as otherwise herein stated.

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The deed shall contain a covenant by Seller as required by subd. 5 of Section 13 of the

Lien Law.

(b) If Seller is a corporation, it shall deliver to Purchaser at the time of

Closing (i) a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the sale and delivery of the

deed, and (ii) a certificate by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the corporation

certifying such resolution and setting forth facts showing that the transfer is in conformity

with the requirements of Section 909 of the Business Corporation Law. The deed in such

case shall contain a recital sufficient to establish compliance with that Section.

15. Closing Date and Place. Closing shall take place at the office of

________________________________________ at ____________ o’clock on

________________________ or, upon reasonable notice (by telephone or otherwise) by

Purchaser, at the office of ____________________________________.

16. Conditions to Closing. This contract and Purchaser’s obligation to purchase

the Premises are also subject to and conditioned upon the fulfillment of the following

conditions precedent:

(a) The accuracy, as of the date of Closing, of the representations and

warranties of Seller made in this contract.

(b) The delivery by Seller to Purchaser of a valid and subsisting

Certificate of Occupancy or other required certificate of compliance, or evidence that

none was required, covering the building(s) and all of the other improvements located on

the property authorizing their use as a ________________ family dwelling at the date of

Closing.

not a foreign person, which certificate shall be in the form then required by FIRPTA or a

withholding certificate from the Internal Revenue Service. If Seller fails to deliver the

aforesaid certificate or if Purchaser is not entitled under FIRPTA to rely on such

certificate, Purchaser shall deduct and withhold from the purchase price a sum equal to

10% thereof (or any lesser amount permitted by law) and shall at Closing remit the

withheld amount with the required forms to the Internal Revenue Service.

(d) The delivery of the Premises and all building(s) and improvements

comprising a part thereof in broom clean condition, vacant and free of leases or tenancies,

together with keys to the Premises.

(e) All plumbing (including water supply and septic systems, if any),

heating and air conditioning, if any, electrical and mechanical systems, equipment and

machinery in the building(s) located on the property and all appliances which are

included in this sale being in working order as of the date of Closing.

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(f) If the Premises are a one or two family house, delivery by the parties

at Closing of affidavits in compliance with state and local law requirements to the effect

that there is installed in the Premises a smoke detecting alarm device or devices.

(g) The delivery by the parties of any other affidavits required as a

condition of recording the deed.

17. Deed Transfer and Recording Taxes. At Closing, certified or official bank

checks payable to the order of the appropriate State, City or County officer in the amount

of any applicable transfer and/or recording tax payable by reason of the delivery or

recording of the deed or mortgage, if any, shall be delivered by the party required by law

or by this contract to pay such transfer and/or recording tax, together with any required

tax returns duly executed and sworn to, and such party shall cause any such checks and

returns to be delivered to the appropriate officer promptly after Closing. The obligation to

pay any additional tax or deficiency and any interest or penalties thereon shall survive

Closing.

18. Apportionments and Other Adjustments; Water Meter and Installment

Assessments. (a) To the extent applicable, the following shall be apportioned as of

midnight of the day before the day of Closing: (i) taxes, water charges and sewer rents,

on the basis of the fiscal period for which assessed; (ii) fuel; (iii) interest on the existing

mortgage; (iv) premiums on existing transferable insurance policies and renewals of

those expiring prior to Closing; (v) vault charges; (vi) rents as and when collected.

(b) If Closing shall occur before a new tax rate is fixed, the apportionment

of taxes shall be upon the basis of the tax rate for the immediately preceding fiscal period

applied to the latest assessed valuation.

to a date not more than 30 days before Closing and the unfixed meter charge and sewer

rent, if any, shall be apportioned on the basis of such last reading.

(d) If at the date of Closing the Premises are affected by an assessment

which is or may become payable in annual installments, and the first installment is then a

lien, or has been paid, then for the purposes of this contract all the unpaid installments

shall be considered due and shall be paid by Seller at or prior to Closing.

(e) Any errors or omissions in computing apportionments or other

adjustments at Closing shall be corrected within a reasonable time following Closing.

This subparagraph shall survive Closing.

19. Allowance for Unpaid Taxes, etc. Seller has the option to credit Purchaser as

an adjustment to the purchase price with the amount of any unpaid taxes, assessments,

water charges and sewer rents, together with any interest and penalties thereon to a date