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Selling Without a Realtor

FSBO Contract Review in Florida

We read your purchase contract line by line — flagging the title, closing, contingency, and disclosure terms that could trip up an unrepresented seller or buyer.

☎ (561) 396-2692
Why Contract Review Matters

Selling FSBO Doesn't Mean Signing Blind

Without a Realtor, the FSBO seller in Florida is signing a binding contract without anyone in the room whose job is to explain what each clause actually does. The contract may be a standard FAR/BAR form, or it may be one the buyer's agent drafted with terms favorable to the buyer. Either way, every box, blank, and contingency in that document allocates risk — and most unrepresented sellers do not realize how until they get to the closing table.

At Atlantic Title Firm we review the title and closing terms of FSBO purchase contracts for sellers and buyers in all 67 Florida counties. Our review is not legal advice (we are a title company, not a law firm) — but as the people who will actually close your transaction, we know exactly which contract terms create problems on closing day and which ones are routine. We flag the issues, explain them in plain English, and recommend amendments when warranted.

1day
Typical Review Turnaround
FAR/BAR
Standard Florida Contracts
67
FL Counties
Both
Buyers & Sellers Welcome
FSBO contract review for Florida sellers
What We Check

The Clauses That Actually Matter

Contingency Deadlines

Inspection, financing, appraisal, and title contingencies all have specific deadlines. We confirm each one is realistic and that the language about how to extend or terminate is unambiguous.

Title Evidence Section

The Florida FAR/BAR contract has specific blanks designating who pays for the owner's title insurance and who selects the closing agent. We make sure these match what was negotiated.

Tax & HOA Prorations

Florida property taxes prorate at closing using the prior year's tax (the standard method). HOA dues prorate per the contract. We verify the proration method and date.

Earnest Money & Default Remedies

Where is the EMD held, what happens if the buyer defaults, and what is the seller's remedy? We confirm escrow holder, deposit timing, and default language are workable.

Required Florida Disclosures

Florida requires certain seller disclosures (e.g., property condition, lead paint for pre-1978 homes, HOA disclosures). We check that all required items are attached or referenced.

Closing & Possession Dates

We confirm the closing date is realistic given title search, lender timing, and any HOA estoppel windows — and that the possession date matches your moving plan.

Florida FAR BAR residential purchase contract
A Florida-Specific Lens

What's Different About Florida Contracts

Florida real estate contracts have a handful of state-specific elements that often catch out-of-state buyers and first-time FSBO sellers. The standard FAR/BAR forms allocate the owner's title insurance premium to either party depending on which paragraph is checked; in many Florida counties it is customary for the seller to pay, while in others the buyer pays. The closing agent selection clause also matters — whoever pays for the policy typically chooses the closing company.

Florida property tax prorations are usually calculated using the prior year's tax amount, with a reproration provision triggered only if the current year's bill comes in significantly different. HOA estoppel letters are mandatory in Florida for HOA properties and must be ordered well in advance of closing. And lead-based paint disclosures are required for any home built before 1978. We check every one of these on every review.

Our Process

How Contract Review Works

1

Send Us the Contract

Email the draft or signed contract and any addenda. We confirm receipt within hours and start review the same day.

2

We Mark It Up

We review every blank, contingency, and date. Any concerns get flagged with a plain-English note explaining the risk.

3

Review Summary

You get a written summary within one business day. We walk you through it by phone if you want to talk through any items.

4

Open the File

Once the contract is signed, we open the closing file, order title, and prepare for closing — all under one roof.

Common Questions

FSBO Contract Review FAQ

Do I need an attorney to review my FSBO contract in Florida?
Florida law does not require an attorney for a residential real estate contract. A licensed Florida title company can review the title-related terms — contingencies, closing date, prorations, and deed type — and flag issues. For substantive legal advice about contract enforceability, drafting custom addenda, or contested terms, you should consult a Florida real estate attorney. Atlantic Title Firm can refer you if needed.
What contract should I use for a Florida FSBO sale?
Most Florida FSBO transactions use one of two standardized contracts: the FloridaRealtors/FloridaBar As-Is Residential Contract (FAR/BAR "AS IS") or the standard FloridaRealtors/FloridaBar Residential Contract. Both are state-vetted, widely accepted by Florida lenders, and contain the contingencies and disclosures most Florida transactions require.
What are the most important terms to check in a FSBO contract?
In our experience the highest-risk items are: the inspection and financing contingency periods, the title evidence section (who pays for title and who chooses the closing agent), the prorations of property taxes and HOA dues, the closing date and possession date, the earnest money handling and default remedies, and any seller disclosures required by Florida statute.
How long does an FSBO contract review take?
Atlantic Title Firm typically returns contract comments within one business day. If the contract is the standard FAR/BAR form, the review is faster; custom or attorney-drafted contracts may take 1–2 business days depending on length.
What happens after Atlantic Title Firm reviews the contract?
We deliver a written summary of any title or closing concerns, the parties either negotiate amendments or sign off as-is, and we open the closing file. From there we run a title search, prepare the closing disclosure, and schedule the closing — all under one roof.
Is FSBO contract review only for sellers?
No. We review FSBO contracts for both unrepresented sellers and unrepresented buyers. Either party can ask us to act as the neutral title and closing agent — that is what title companies are designed to do under Florida law.
Related FSBO Services

The Rest of Your FSBO Closing

Contract review is just one piece. Once you are under contract we handle closing disclosure preparation, buyer/seller coordination as the neutral closing agent, and deed preparation and recording with the county. For the full picture, see our FSBO closing services page or contact us to get started.

Sign Smart

Send the Contract Over

Whether you are the seller or the buyer, we will return marked-up comments within one business day. No commitment to use us for closing.

Contact Us → ☎ (561) 396-2692
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