As a real estate attorney and business writer with over 12 years drafting and reviewing residential purchase agreements across the United States, I’ve helped hundreds of Arkansas homeowners successfully sell their properties without paying 6% listing commissions. One of the most frequent questions I receive is: “Where can I get a reliable for sale by owner contract Arkansas homeowners can actually use?” Today I’m giving you my updated-for-2025 Arkansas real estate contract template – completely free – along with line-by-line guidance so you can complete the sale confidently and legally.
A for sale by owner contract Arkansas residents use (commonly called an FSBO purchase agreement) is a legally binding document between a private seller and buyer that outlines every term of the residential property sale when no listing agent is involved. In Arkansas, these contracts must comply with Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 42 (Real Estate License Law) and the general requirements for real property transfers under Arkansas Code § 18-12-101 et seq.
Unlike many generic online forms, the template I provide below follows the exact disclosure and contract standards required by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) and incorporates the mandatory Arkansas Residential Property Condition Disclosure form requirements found in Ark. Code Ann. § 18-11-701 et seq.
Arkansas is NOT a “caveat emptor” (buyer beware) state for most residential sales. Since 1997, Arkansas law requires sellers of 1-4 family residential properties to deliver either:
Generic national templates almost always miss this requirement, which can void your contract or expose you to post-closing lawsuits. My Arkansas real estate contract template includes the proper disclosure language and attachment references so you stay compliant.
| Required Element | Arkansas Statute/Source |
|---|---|
| Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if built before 1978) | 42 U.S.C. § 4852d & EPA/HUD |
| Property Condition Disclosure or “As-Is” clause | Ark. Code Ann. § 18-11-701 et seq. |
| Megan’s Law disclosure language | Arkansas Real Estate Commission Rule |
| Mineral rights reservation notice (common in AR) | Customary Arkansas practice |
| Closing agent and title company selection | Arkansas closing customs |
Click here to download the free Arkansas For Sale By Owner Contract template (Word .docx) – Updated November 2025
This 12-page template includes:
After downloading the Arkansas real estate forms package, follow this exact order:
In my practice, I’ve seen these errors cost sellers thousands:
Unlike many states, Arkansas almost always uses attorneys or title companies (not escrow companies) for closings. Typical steps:
Do I need an attorney to sell by owner in Arkansas?
No, but Arkansas is an “attorney state” for closings – a licensed closing agent must handle funds and deed preparation.
Is the Arkansas Real Estate Commission FSBO form sufficient?
The AREC provides a basic form, but it’s extremely brief and lacks contingency language most buyers demand. My template combines AREC requirements with practical protections.
Can I sell “as-is” in Arkansas and skip disclosures?
Only if you use the exact statutory disclaimer language (included in the template).
This Arkansas real estate contract template and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your specific situation may require modifications. Always consult a licensed Arkansas real estate attorney or title professional before signing any binding agreement. Source: IRS.gov (for federal tax basis reference), Arkansas Code Annotated, and Arkansas Real Estate Commission regulations current as of November 2025.
Ready to save thousands on your Arkansas home sale? Download the free for sale by owner contract Arkansas template now and close with confidence.
Download Free Arkansas FSBO Real Estate Contract 2025 (Word)