Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreements

Buying a home or other property is probably one of the most significant and complex purchases you will ever make, but an experienced Real Estate Attorney can walk you through the process and ensure that you are protected by having all of your documents in order, including the real estate purchase and sale agreement, which needs to be signed by both the buyer and the seller.

What is a Purchase and Sale Agreement?

A purchase and sale agreement (PSA) is a legally binding document that lists all the agreed-upon terms of the sale and the intentions of both the buyer and the seller. It is sometimes called the purchase and sales contract. A PSA can be used in other sales transactions, such as purchasing a vehicle or company stock, or when purchasing expensive or large volumes of materials over time.

8 Elements of a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement

Every PSA is unique; however, the following information is typically included in most:

Information about both parties, including their full legal names and contact information
A detailed description of the property
The purchase price
How the buyer will pay the seller
Earnest money details—Earnest money is a deposit paid by the potential buyer to the seller to show good faith in their intent to complete the transaction. The PSA includes the amount of the earnest money, when it must be deposited, contingencies that could allow the buyer to get the money back, how long the buyer has to perform their due diligence, and who will manage the money.
Closing Date—The closing date is the day you finalize the transaction. Typically, a home inspection, title search, appraisal, and mortgage underwriting must occur before the sale can become final.
Title Details – A title company performs a title search, which is a search of public records to determine if the title on the property is clean and that no other party has a claim to the property. The PSA identifies the title company, who will pay the title company, how the title is insured, and how the title will be transferred.
Contingencies – Contingencies allow either party to back out of the deal. For example, the buyer may ask that the sale be contingent on selling their current home, obtaining financing, or on the home inspection or appraisal results.

While a PSA is legally binding, some things can be negotiated even after both parties have signed it. For example, if a home inspection reveals a major issue or the parties want to change the closing date.

How to Avoid Costly Real Estate Mistakes

An experienced real estate law firm like Bingaman Hess can help you avoid costly mistakes in a real estate transaction. Our lawyers help you understand your obligations and potential costs, assist you with paperwork, avoid disputes, and proactively address potential real estate issues.

Avoid costly mistakes by calling us at 610.374.8377 or contact us online.

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Business Succession Planning

By Mahlon Boyer • May 30, 2026

Business succession planning is an important process that helps business owners prepare for the upcoming transfer of ownership and leadership. Whether the transition involves passing the company to family members, selling to business partners or transferring ownership to outside buyers, having a clear succession plan helps reduce uncertainty and protect the long-term security of the business. A careful plan can also minimize disputes, preserve business value and ensure continuity in periods of change. Planning for Business Transfer The first step in business succession planning is identifying how the business will be transferred and who will assume control. Business owners should evaluate their long-term goals, retirement plans, and the financial needs of both the company and their family members. Some owners choose to pass the business on to children or relatives who are already involved in operations. Others may transfer ownership to key employees, business partners or third party buyers. Each option has different legal, operational and financial consequences. A successful transition often takes years of preparation. Potential successors may need leadership training, operational experience and gradual increases in responsibility to ensure they are ready to effectively manage the business. Good communication with family members, partners and stakeholders is also important to avoid misinterpretations and conflict. Business owners should work with legal and financial professionals to create formal succession documents, update corporate records, and establish a realistic timeline for the transfer process. Use of Buy-Sell Agreements Buy-sell agreements are an essential part of many succession plans. These legally binding agreements specify what happens to the interest of a business owner if certain events occur, such as retirement, disability, death or voluntary departure from the company. A buy-sell agreement typically defines who may buy the shares of the departing owner, how the business interest will be valued and the terms of payment. This structure helps maintain stability and prevents ownership disputes that could disrupt operations. For businesses with multiple owners, buy-sell agreements provide understanding and protections for all parties involved. They can prevent unwanted external ownership and ensure that remaining owners retain control of the company. Funding mechanisms are also important. Many businesses use life insurance policies to fund buyouts in the event of an owner's death. This allows surviving owners or family members to complete the transfer without putting financial hardship on the business. Tax Considerations Tax planning is an important part of business succession planning. If the transfer of ownership is not well planned, the business owner and successor will face a substantial tax liability. Depending on how the transfer takes place, the owners may face capital gains, estate, or gift taxes. With good planning, these tax burdens can be reduced with trusts, step-by-step ownership transfers, family partnerships, or changing the type of business entity. Another important factor is valuation. A proper valuation of a business is important for determining tax liability and ensuring that everyone involved in the transfer is treated fairly. Business owners should regularly review their succession plans with accountants, tax advisors, and attorneys, as tax laws are often changing. Regular updates keep the plan in line with changing legislation and the business’s needs. Let Us Help You Navigate the Essentials of Business Succession Planning Don’t wait! Talk to one of the experienced estate planning attorneys at Bingaman Hess today at 610.374.8377 or contact us online. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No one may rely on this information without consulting an attorney. Anyone who attempts to use this information without attorney consultation does so at their own risk. Bingaman Hess is not and shall never be responsible for anyone who uses this information. It is not legal advice.