Understanding Real Estate Contracts and What You Can Expect to Find

There are a lot of things that go into the successful sale of your home, but many people are unfamiliar with the intricacies of the contract. Whether you consult with your real estate agent or plan on diving in on your own, it’s important to be clear on the terms. If you’re wondering what you can expect when it comes to the contract, here are some pointers on what to watch out for.

Real Estate Jargon

A real estate contract would not be complete without the professional terminology, so you’ll see words like amortization, price-to-income ratio and title that may impact the meaning of your contract. Instead of going it blind, search the Internet for terms or consult with your real estate agent to provide a clear explanation.

Specifics On The Sale

Information regarding the specifics of your property will be present in the contract, and it’s important to check this information before signing on the dotted line. While the address and location of your home are important, it’s also critical to verify the purchase price that has been decided upon, the closing date on the property and any other items that have been negotiated and agreed upon.

Be Aware Of Withdrawal Terms

It can be easy to be taken away by excitement once you’ve received the perfect offer on your home, but it’s important not to lose sight of everything that’s required before the sale has been finalized. One of the most important parts of the contract is the withdrawal terms that are laid out, so be certain you’re aware of what your rights are if you or the home buyer decides to withdraw from the process.

Watch For Seller’s Responsibilities

If you, as a seller, do not remain committed to the terms of the contract this can be a deal breaker, so ensure that you’ve familiarized yourself with exactly what’s required of you. This may include everything from the maintenance on the property to offer negotiations, so it’s important to comply with these terms.

Dealing with a real estate contract can be confusing for the layman, so it’s worth your while to have a trusted real estate agent around who will be able to explain it. From withdrawal terms to seller responsibilities, there are plenty of things you should be aware of before sealing the deal. If you’re currently embarking on selling your home, give me a call for professional representation – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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865 E Monte Vista Trail Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$3,500,000

5 Beds

7 Baths

7,880 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659880

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience luxury & sophistication gated community! Integrating indoor & outdoor living. BREATH TAKING VIEWS! Nestled in the heart of Wickenburg, this stunning custom home has 5 bedrooms, 7 baths & theater room. Entering thru this grand entrance you are greeted w/a water feature & expansive living spaces. Gourmet kitchen is a chefs dream. Featuring top-of-line appliances, custom cabinetry, 2 warming drawers, 3 ovens, & a spacious island. Custom built bar. Relax by one of 5 fireplaces. Your master suite is a private sanctuary boasting a spa-like feel, fireplace, Large walkin & jet tub. Stepping into your private backyard oasis offers total relaxation. Negative edge pool/spa, built in b-bque, ramada, steam room & lush landscape is your ideal entertainment. The spacious 3200 sq ft RV garage. Spacious RV garage with a drive through RV Stall, can hold 8+ vehicles. Until you see this amazing property in person, you will not appreciate the value. This custom home was built by Tom Hogue and used as his personal home. From the grand entry way, rocked pillar, fountain water feature, floor to ceiling retractable glass doors, workout room, sauna and so much more. This is a MUST SEE!!!

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3428 S 159th Street Gilbert, AZ 85297

$3,500,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

10,171 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6712293

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience livable luxury in this stunning iconic colonial style home ideally located across the street from the LDS Temple in the heart of Gilbert. The architectural masterpiece combines historic elegance with modern amenities, offering an unmatched lifestyle. Designed for both comfort and entertainment, this nearly 11,000 square foot home features a beautiful front porch and balcony straight out of the movies, grand foyer, 20 ft. vaulted ceilings, extensive molding and trim work, expansive living and dining areas, a huge entertainer's kitchen with hidden walk-in pantry complete with a commercial grade walk-in refrigerator, indoor pro racquetball court, theater room and serene library. Majestic kitchen features a two tier island with breakfast bar and large dining area with the temple as a backdrop out every window. The home boasts 5 spacious bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, extended 3 car garage on one side of the house and an additional 2 car garage on the apartment side of the home. Enter the master bedroom through a large sitting room with fireplace and front porch access. Large master has built in bookshelves, bay window with temple views, and large ensuite bathroom complete with his and hers sinks, expansive walk in shower/steamer and walk through master closet. Relax in the upstairs loft, on the balcony or with your favorite movie in the theater. Large laundry room is equipped with 2 sets of washer/dryer, center island surrounded by cabinets and more storage. The separate apartment is perfect for guests, in-laws or rental income. RV gate with RV pad. 32kW paid off solar system with battery backup. With no HOA restrictions, you have the freedom to truly make this home your own. Embrace the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury in a location that offers top-rated schools, easy access to the 202 freeway, Mercy Hospital, San Tan Mall, dining, entertainment, shopping and community events. Too much to list here, this home is a must see.

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18720 N 101st Street Unit 2006 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$3,500,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

2,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718632

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

**NEW-CONSTRUCTION** The best opportunity to be inside the gates of Silverleaf at a competitive price. ICON at Silverleaf offers an unlimited lifestyle with the lock-and-leave luxury of exceptional single-story flats amid the incomparable beauty of Arizona's McDowell Mountains. This rare and unique offering of spacious, open-concept residences affords the very best of all possible worlds, close to the cosmopolitan conveniences of affluent North Scottsdale, yet secreted within the pristine privacy of the Sonoran Desert behind the gates of the truly iconic upscale private resort community of Silverleaf.

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19621 N 96th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$3,500,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,435 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752044

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly sought after, gated DC Ranch Hacienda on one of a kind, oversized lot is tucked on an exterior cul de sac street with amazing curb appeal, faces open preserve and backs to natural area with picturesque McDowell mountains. Capture serene mountain and city light views from multiple areas of the home. Desirable great room home plan features 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, downstairs office and plus an upstairs office/den with wine fridge bar, and an expansive flex bonus room upstairs, with charming interior courtyard for entertaining. Enjoy seamless indoor/outdoor AZ living with a telescoping glass door from great room to picture perfect resort style backyard with scenic mountain backdrop, featuring oversized grassy area plus garden planters, outdoor covered ramada adjacent to generous heated pool and spa, and linear firepit, built-in BBQ with seating, covered patio, with ample hardscape space for seating/lounging. Stunning designer finishes including oak hardwood flooring throughout the home, light and bright oversized eat-in kitchen island, chic statement vent over gas range overlooking backyard, refined marble and tile selections throughout for a polished sophisticated appeal. Breathtaking views from second level primary suite with sitting area overlooking majestic McDowell Mountains, enjoy generous wardrobe, and spa like bath with freestanding bubble soaker tub. Convenient utility room with hall tree, three car tandem garage with cooling unit, plus spacious additional paved parking for four more cars. Quaint neighborhood park nearby. This showstopper is a unique opportunity in the coveted DC Ranch Haciendas.

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10416 N 52nd Street Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Open House

$3,500,000

5 Beds

6 Baths

6,685 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768580

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

REDUCED PRICE FOR QUICK SALE! Magnificent Tuscan-style estate on a sprawling, beautifully manicured acre lot located in the highly sought-after Paradise Valley, just moments away from top-tier shopping and dining in both PV and Scottsdale. With over 6600 square feet of living space, this residence offers a spacious great room floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The home boasts elegant formal living and dining rooms, a large family room with a gas fireplace, and a bonus/game room for added leisure. The split floor plan ensures privacy, with the expansive primary suite featuring a cozy sitting room with a gas fireplace, a spa-inspired bathroom with dual sinks, a walk-in shower, a freestanding soaking tub with a remote-controlled electric fireplace, two oversized walk-in closets and a cedar closet. The guestwing offers 4 spacious en-suite bedrooms, each with walk-in closets. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's paradise, equipped with a large island and top-of-the-line appliances. Multiple French doors open to the resort style backyard oasis, complete with a spacious covered patio, a heated pebble tec diving pool, a lush lawn, built in BBQ and a ramada perfect for outdoor entertaining. Luxury finishes throughout include marble and travertine flooring, vaulted and wood-beamed ceilings, crown molding, custom cabinetry, and designer lighting. This home is a must see and has been meticulously maintained. Home is available to be purchased fully furnished on a separate bill of sale.

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8332 E Sand Flower Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$3,499,995

4 Beds

4 Baths

4,297 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6734396

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE IN READY beautiful pre-designed home with luxurious upgrades inside and out. The award winning Mayne Modern home design was made for entertaining. This single-level home showcases an open floor plan with elevated ceiling heights in the main living spaces. The Gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight with upgraded maple cabinets and designer stainless steel appliances included a Wolf 48'' Rangetop w/Griddle, Pro Hood, Micro Drawer, Pro Double Ovens, and Cove Dish Washer. Spacious great room features a 60'' primo fireplace and 20' multi-stacking door open to covered patio. Oversized bonus room with wet bar and direct access to large covered patio. Attached casita with living area and full bath. Price includes full landscape and pool. THIS IS A MUST SEE!

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14300 N Moongaze Drive 03 Drive Marana, AZ 85658

$3,499,900

3 Beds

4 Baths

2,934 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770080

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience the ultimate in privacy, tranquility, and security at Saguaro Ranch/Moonlight Canyon. This incredible MOVE-IN READY New Construction home boasts 2,934 sq ft, 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 bathroom, and a den/office. Enjoy EXPANSIVE, breathtaking, panoramic views of the Catalina Mountains and Tortolitas, and marvel at the stunning Ron Robinette Architecture and Lori Carroll Interior Design. Featuring a WINE CELLAR built INTO the Mountain! Other features include split bedroom plan with en-suite baths, 3 car side entry oversized garage, 400 AMP Electric service, 2x6 and some double 2x12 exterior wall construction with foam and batt insulation, recirculating hot water system combined with tankless hot water heater, Wolf and Subzero stainless appliances. Synthetic plaster exteriors, tile in all the public areas. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

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6413 E Ashler Hills Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$3,499,900

4 Beds

5 Baths

4,057 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762063

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning rustic contemporary home on a private road with no hoa. Home sits on 2 1/2 acres fully fenced with rear yard that has capabilities for adding another 10,000 of casita, garage and or under roof if desired. Home surrounded by beautiful cave creek desert mountain views, as well offers privacy and while being close to shopping and schools. The chefs kitchen boast twin Subzero 736 refridgerators and Wolf oven and range top, large walk in pantry, prep and primary sink on dual islands, hidden accessories, quartzite countertops. Home has City of Scottsdale water, 2 stage water filtration, a water softener and 2 RO systems for drinking water and ice. Back patio boast tv sitting area, 48 inch firepit, built in BBQ and sink, bar island and mister system. Buyer to verify all information.

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15972 N 115th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$3,499,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

4,596 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769991

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Hidden gem surrounded by Magnificent Views, and lush trees.. Enjoy the unobstructed view of McDowell Mtn & the sunset/city lights in the Oasis resort-like backyard designed with 65' infinity style pool, large water fall, spa and sunken gazebo. The main house features an open split floor plan with high ceilings. Spacious living room flows into family room complete with wine bar. Kitchen boasts granite countertops with plenty of storage. Plus a theater room & butler's pantry & office area. The newly renovated 1,208 SQFT. separate guest suite features 1 bedroom 1 bath, kitchenette and more! The quiet and stunning neighborhood has many amenities & easy access to the McDowell Mountain trails for hiking just minutes away. Property to be sold As-Is no repairs. Interior photos coming soon!

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9591 E Havasupai Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$3,499,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

5,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719082

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in one of the finest private communities in Scottsdale, this luxurious home sits on THE BEST lot in La Strada. Surrounded by mountain views & city lights while still in the heart of the city, this stunning & spacious home features all the amenities including 5 bed, 5 bath, 4 car gar, office/den, walk in wine cellar w/Subzero fridge by Cellar, casita, courtyard, & sport court. Resort-style backyard with amazing views is private & features a negative edge heated pool, spa, & outdoor kitchen area. The indoors are just as inviting with a recently remodeled chef's kitchen equipped with Wolf & Subzero appliances, steam oven, and other high-end finishes. A dream home on a quiet & private cul-de-sac just minutes from the 101, DC Ranch Marketplace, Kierland, & all the Valley has to offer.

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10767 E Hedgehog Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Open House

$3,499,000

5 Beds

7 Baths

4,967 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775591

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Must see this custom-built beauty located in the desirable, gated community of Pinnacle Canyon. With the Modern Mélange concept that blends elegant architecture along with natural beauty; this home offers the best indoor/outdoor living with multiple bi-fold doors leading to the front & back patios with fireplaces, overhead heaters, entertainment areas & more. Enjoy your private backyard oasis with a negative edge pool & spa, outdoor kitchen, extensive landscaping w/ lighting & majestic views of the mountains & boulders. Inside offers an upgraded Kitchen w/ Alder cabinets, Cambria countertops, thermidor appliances, along with an over-sized Island. The primary bedroom has a stone wall w/ fire place, his & her walk-in closets, French doors to patio & oak floors. All Guest rooms are ensuites Arizona living at its best!

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5501 E Rockridge Road Phoenix, AZ 85018

$3,497,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,008 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6783016

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled on the prestigious slopes of Camelback Mountain, this newly remodeled architectural masterpiece by renowned Phoenix architect George Christensen offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and natural beauty. With breathtaking panoramic views of both the glittering city skyline and the iconic Camelback Mountain, this home provides an unparalleled living experience in one of Arizona's most sought-after locations. Every inch of this meticulously designed home has been carefully curated to offer the utmost in comfort, style, and functionality. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interiors in natural light, framing the spectacular views from nearly every room. The open-concept living spaces feature sleek, contemporary finishes, soaring ceilings, and high-end materials that seamlessly merge with the surrounding desert landscape. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, and an oversized island perfect for entertaining. The spacious living and dining areas open to a stunning outdoor terrace, offering a serene oasis in the heart of the city. The master suite is a private sanctuary with sweeping views, a luxurious en-suite bath, and a spacious walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms and a separate flex office with its own roll up door provide ample space for work, family and visitors, each offering its own views of the desert landscape. Designed to embrace the beauty of its surroundings, this home incorporates sustainable, energy-efficient features while maintaining a timeless aesthetic. The lush desert landscape and expertly crafted outdoor spaces provide the ideal backdrop for both intimate gatherings and large-scale entertaining. Whether you're seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply a place to enjoy the best of Phoenix living, this exceptional home on Camelback Mountain offers it all. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of architectural history in one of Arizona's most prestigious locations.

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