How Do I Write a Contract for My Utah FSBO Sale? A DIY Guide to Sealing the Deal

So, you’re selling your Utah home For Sale By Owner (FSBO)—bravo for taking the plunge! You’ve priced it, staged it, and found a buyer who’s ready to sign on the dotted line. Now comes the big question: How do I write a contract for my Utah FSBO sale? Don’t panic if you’re not a lawyer or a paperwork wizard. Crafting a solid contract isn’t as scary as it sounds—it’s like assembling IKEA furniture: follow the steps, don’t skip the instructions, and you’ll end up with something that holds together.

Step 1: Start with the Right Template—Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

You’re not drafting the Declaration of Independence here. In Utah, real estate contracts follow a standard vibe, and you can snag a solid starting point online or through FSBO resources (psst—check utahfsbohelp.com for help!). The Utah Association of Realtors has a widely used Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC), and while it’s not mandatory for FSBO, it’s a great blueprint. Tweak it to fit your sale, but keep the bones—buyer/seller names, property address, and sale price are non-negotiable.

Step 2: Nail the Basics—Who, What, Where, How Much

Your contract’s got to spell out the essentials so there’s no “I thought you meant…” drama later. Include:

  • Names: Full legal names of you (the seller) and the buyer. No nicknames—sorry, “Bubba” won’t cut it.

  • Property: The exact address and legal description (find it on your deed or county records).

  • Price: The agreed-upon amount in dollars, not hugs or IOUs.

  • Earnest Money: How much the buyer’s putting down to show they’re serious (typically 1-2% of the price), and where it’s held (hint: a title company’s escrow account is clutch).

Be clear as a Utah summer sky—this isn’t the place for vague vibes.

Step 3: Add the Nitty-Gritty—Conditions and Deadlines

Here’s where you flex your inner planner. Utah FSBO contracts need key terms to keep everyone on track:

  • Financing Contingency: Gives the buyer X days (usually 21-30) to secure a loan, or they can back out.

  • Inspection Period: Time for the buyer to poke around (7-10 days is standard). If they find termites hosting a rave in the walls, they can negotiate or walk.

  • Closing Date: When keys and cash swap hands—pick a date that works (30-45 days out is typical).

  • Seller Disclosures: Attach your filled-out form (you did that, right?) so they know about that quirky furnace.

Deadlines matter—miss one, and your deal could unravel faster than a yarn shop in a windstorm.

Step 4: Spell Out Who Pays What

Closing costs in Utah can be a negotiation tango. Traditionally, sellers cover title insurance and half the escrow fees, while buyers handle their loan costs. But FSBO? You call the shots. Write it down: “Seller pays X, buyer pays Y.” And don’t forget the prorated property taxes—Utah loves its math, so split those based on the closing date.

Step 5: Keep It Legal—Utah’s Must-Haves

Utah doesn’t mess around with real estate rules. Include a line about the buyer’s right to a “due diligence” period (that inspection window). If your home’s pre-1978, federal law demands a lead-based paint disclosure—skip it, and you’re in hot water. And if your place was a meth lab (no judgment!), Utah law says disclose it. Dot those I’s, cross those T’s.

Step 6: Double-Check and Get a Second Pair of Eyes

Your contract’s done—congrats! Now, read it like you’re the buyer. Does it make sense? Any “wait, what?” moments? If legalese makes your eyes cross, hire a real estate attorney for a quick review—$300-500 is cheap insurance against a $10,000 oopsie. In Utah, title companies can also guide you through the fine print and we can refer you to a great one we trust!.

Step 7: Sign It, Seal It, Sell It

Both parties sign—digital signatures work in 2025 Utah—and you’re golden. Hand it to the title company with the earnest money, and let them handle the escrow dance. You’re not just writing a contract; you’re locking in your FSBO win.

Wrap-Up: You’re the Boss Now

Writing a contract for your Utah FSBO sale isn’t rocket science, but it’s not a napkin doodle either. With a template, some clarity, and a legal once-over, you’ll have a deal that’s tighter than a pioneer quilt. Need a hand? Utahfsbohelp.com’s got your back. Now, go sign that sucker and pop the bubbly—you’ve earned it!

Sean Wood