As a Texas real estate attorney and business template specialist with over 12 years drafting and reviewing residential contracts across the state, I’ve helped hundreds of home buyers, sellers, and FSBO parties close smoothly using properly structured purchase agreements. Today, I’m giving you my updated-for-2025 Texas residential purchase agreement template completely free — the same core document I customize for clients paying $500+ in legal fees.
This Texas real estate purchase agreement follows the exact structure and mandatory disclosures required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) while remaining usable for For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions that don’t involve a broker. You can download the editable Word and PDF versions at the bottom of this page.
A Texas residential sales contract, often called the “One-to-Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), is the legally binding document that outlines the terms under which a buyer agrees to purchase and a seller agrees to sell a single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex in Texas. The most widely used version is promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC Form 20-17, effective 2025).
While TREC forms are mandatory when a licensed broker represents either party, FSBO sellers and buyers may use any form as long as it complies with Texas Property Code §5.008 (Seller’s Disclosure), the Statute of Frauds, and federal lead-based paint rules. My free template meets or exceeds all statutory requirements.
I’ve reviewed dozens of “free” Texas real estate contract forms on random websites. Common problems include:
The template below is current as of November 2025 and mirrors the official TREC Improved Property Contract while adding FSBO-friendly clarifications.
| Section | Required by Law? | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Parties & Property Description | Yes (Statute of Frauds) | Vague legal description |
| Sales Price & Earnest Money | Yes | No receipt clause for earnest money |
| Financing Contingencies | No, but standard | Missing Third Party Financing Addendum language |
| Option Period | No, but 99% of contracts have one | Unclear termination rights |
| Title Policy & Survey | Yes (Promulgated rates) | Buyer paying for owner’s policy (illegal) |
| Seller’s Disclosure Notice | Yes (§5.008 Texas Property Code) | Using old 2015 form |
| HOA Resale Certificate | Yes if applicable | No deadline for delivery |
| Lead-Based Paint Disclosure | Federal law if built pre-1978 | Forgotten entirely |
Download Editable Word Version
Download Fillable PDF Version
Both files include:
Use full legal names. For married couples, include both spouses even if title is in one name only (Texas is a community property state).
Copy the legal description exactly from the county appraisal district or existing deed. Include street address and county.
Break out earnest money, third-party financing, seller financing, and cash portion. Earnest money is typically 1-2% in Texas.
Buyer receives the owner’s title policy at seller’s expense (standard in Texas). Mark “existing survey” if buyer accepts an old one with affidavit; otherwise, new survey cost is negotiable.
Attach completed Seller’s Disclosure Notice (link to latest TREC OP-H form). Check boxes for known defects, previous flooding, HOA, etc.
Typical closing is 30-45 days. Specify exact date or “on or before” language.
Most common: 7-10 days for $100-$300 option fee (non-refundable but applies to purchase price).
| TREC Promulgated | Attorney Custom | Generic Online | This Template | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current as of 2025 | Yes | Yes | Rarely | Yes |
| FSBO-Friendly | Yes (with note) | Yes | Sometimes | Yes |
| All Required Addenda | Separate downloads | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free from TREC | $400-$1,500 | Free or cheap | Free |
Is a verbal agreement to buy a house enforceable in Texas?
No. All contracts for sale of real estate must be in writing (Statute of Frauds).
Can I write my own purchase contract in Texas?
Yes, but it must meet minimum statutory requirements. Using the TREC form or this template is far safer.
Who pays for the owner’s title policy in Texas?
The seller, by custom and TREC contract (Paragraph 6).
Do I need an attorney to buy or sell a house in Texas?
No — Texas is not an “attorney closing” state. However, review by counsel is wise for complex deals.
This Texas residential purchase agreement template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your specific situation may require modifications. I strongly recommend having any real estate contract reviewed by a licensed Texas attorney or title company before signing. Use at your own risk.
Sources: Texas Real Estate Commission (trec.texas.gov), Texas Property Code §5.008, IRS Lead-Based Paint Regulations (epa.gov/lead).
Ready to move forward with confidence? Download your free 2025 Texas residential real estate contract today and close your deal the right way.