Author – Joe Stephenson, REALTOR®

I’ve handled my fair share of closings, and I know a solid real estate bill of sale is a key part of the transaction process. Think of it as a detailed description of a sales receipt for your property, it records every detail of the sale, helps the buyer accepts exactly what’s on offer, and shows when the buyer assumes any remaining obligations. I’ve put together a free real estate bill of sale template to help you get started and learn the ropes.

This example of a legal document serves to prove that ownership has officially changed hands, so both seller and buyer have a clear record of what’s included. It covers everything from a full property description to payment terms and any sales tax notes. Some folks treat it like just another form, but in reality it’s an essential tool that protects everyone by capturing exactly what was agreed upon. Customize it as needed, and you’ll be on your way to smoother transactions.

Download Real Estate Bill of Sale Form

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Don’t treat it like a generic bill, it should clearly list every detail of the property sold so both the seller and both the buyer have a binding record. This clarity shields all parties involved by spelling out exactly what was agreed upon in the sale. As always, I recommend consulting a licensed attorney to verify your final document meets all legal requirements. This template is provided for informational purposes only.

Simple Real Estate Bill of Sale Sample

This Real Estate Bill of Sale (“Agreement”) is entered into on [Insert Date], by and between

Seller Information

Name(s): [Insert Full Name(s)]
Address: [Insert Address]

Buyer Information

Name(s): [Insert Full Name(s)]
Address: [Insert Address]

Description of Property

The Seller hereby agrees to transfer, and the Buyer agrees to purchase, the following described real property, including any personal property (if applicable).

Real Property Description

Street Address: [Insert Property Address]
City/State/Zip Code: [Insert City, State, and ZIP Code]
Legal Description (if available): [Insert Legal Description]

Included Personal Property (Attached as Part of the Property)

If the box is checked, the following personal property is included in the sale and conveyed to the Buyer
☐ Solar Panels
☐ Water Softeners
☐ Security Systems
☐ Satellite Systems (including satellite dishes)

Included Personal Property (Regardless of Attachment)

The following items will be included in the sale, whether attached or not, as of [Insert Date]
☐ Storm windows and storm doors
☐ Window coverings and treatments (e.g., shades, blinds, curtains)
☐ Awnings and porch shades
☐ Fireplace inserts, screens, and grates
☐ Storage sheds
☐ Carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors
☐ Garage door opener(s) and remote controls (quantity [Insert Number])
☐ All keys for the property

Additional Personal Property Included

The Seller also conveys the following additional personal property to the Buyer
[Specify additional items, such as appliances, furniture, fixtures]

Exclusions

The following items are specifically excluded from this sale and will not be conveyed to the Buyer, even if listed above in the included items section:
[Specify excluded items, if any]

Purchase Price and Payment Terms

The total purchase price for the above-mentioned property shall be $[Insert Purchase Price], payable as follows

  • Earnest Money Deposit (if applicable): $[Insert Amount]
  • Balance Due at Closing (if applicable): $[Insert Amount]
  • Method of Payment: [Insert Payment Method (e.g., bank transfer, certified check, etc.)]

Taxes, Liens, and Encumbrances

The personal property is conveyed free and clear of all taxes (except for personal property taxes for the current year), liens, and encumbrances, unless expressly stated otherwise in this Agreement.
Seller acknowledges and agrees to pay all applicable taxes up to the date of sale, including any past due property taxes.

Condition of Property

The property, including personal property, is being sold “As Is,” “Where Is,” and “With All Faults,” without any representations or warranties of any kind, except as explicitly stated below or required by law.

  • Exceptions to “As Is” Condition (if applicable)
    [List any Seller warranties or representations]

Warranty and Defense

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto Buyer forever. The Seller covenants and agrees to and with the Buyer to WARRANT AND DEFEND the sale of said property, including all attached and conveyed personal property, against all claims and demands of any person or persons whatsoever.

Transfer Date

The transaction shall be finalized, and ownership transferred, on [Insert Date of Sale].

Signatures

By signing below, both parties acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this Real Estate Bill of Sale.

Seller’s Signature(s):
_________________________ Date: _____________________
[Insert Seller’s Printed Name(s)]

Buyer’s Signature(s):
_________________________ Date: _____________________
[Insert Buyer’s Printed Name(s)]

Witness Signature (if applicable):
_________________________ Date: _____________________
[Insert Witness Name, if required]

Legal Disclaimer

This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Buyer and Seller agree to consult a licensed attorney to verify compliance with applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. Please do not use this document as a substitute for professional legal advice. The Seller and Buyer hereby release each other from any liability arising from the use or misuse of this Bill of Sale.

End of Document

Personal Property Bill of Sale vs Real Estate Bill of Sale

A personal property bill of sale and a real estate bill of sale serve very different purposes, yet both create a legally binding record of ownership transfer between two parties. A personal property bill, often used for items like vehicles, includes details such as the vehicle identification number, odometer reading, and a signed bill from the undersigned buyer and seller. It may also require notarization to act as proof of sale.

Meanwhile, a real estate bill focuses on property and can involve additional fees, tax purposes, and a notarized document. So, I would say that unlike a general bill of sale, a personal property bill can be more specific, covering personal items or high-value objects. It could be for a property sale in West Virginia or a simple exchange of personal items, I think you’ll find that the sale serves as official documentation to prevent future disputes. I think it’s important that buyers and sellers should verify that the document includes a receipt and any necessary signatures to complete the transaction smoothly.

The Importance of a Real Estate Bill of Sale

A real estate bill of sale form is a vital tool for making any property transaction clear and straightforward. This comprehensive document lays out all the necessary details, such as the purchase price, any personal property included in the sale, and key payment details. Having the seller’s signature and the buyer’s signature on the bill of sale enables the agreement becomes legally binding and helps make sure that the terms are clear to all involved parties. These types of sale documents help prove ownership and simplify the ownership transfer. Having such a structured document in place is one of the best practices for handling property transactions with confidence and professionalism.

Check Back for Updates

I think we all know that forms like a bill of sale are constantly updated to reflect changes in legal requirements, industry standards, and regional regulations. Check back for updates to see if there has been any news or updates you should know. A properly drafted form, signed by the undersigned seller and notary public, can prevent legal issues.

Things like a sale notarized and a document notarized are good items to familiarize yourself with in how they offer added security that protects one party from disputes while confirming that the current owner has officially transferred ownership. There are so many terms and conditions and opinions on those types of thing, they tend to get updated. So check back often to stay up to date.

About the Author

Joseph E. Stephenson, REALTOR®

License #00054082 | Kansas & Missouri

Affiliated with Welch & Company (License #CO00000477)

Joseph E. Stephenson is a licensed real estate professional in Kansas and Missouri with a career built on dedication to integrity and client-focused service. To learn more about how Joseph can assist you in your real estate endeavors, visit his REALTOR® profile at realtor.com.

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Joseph E. Stephenson also operates a business named Stephenson Residential, LLC. You can verify the business at the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

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