As a real estate attorney who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of purchase contracts across Ohio for over twelve years, I created this completely free simple Ohio real estate purchase agreement specifically for for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sellers and buyers who want a clear, legally-structured document without paying agent commissions or attorney fees upfront.
This Ohio residential purchase agreement PDF and Word template follows current Ohio Revised Code requirements as of November 2025 and incorporates the mandatory disclosures most counties expect. Whether you're selling a house in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, or a rural county, this real estate contract Ohio template works statewide.
A real estate purchase agreement Ohio is the binding contract between a buyer and seller that outlines the price, closing date, contingencies, and responsibilities for transferring residential property. In Ohio, while many people use the standard Ohio Board of Realtors purchase agreement or local forms like the Columbus Realtors purchase contract, FSBO parties can use their own agreement as long as it meets minimum legal standards.
I designed this particular free Ohio real estate purchase agreement to be shorter and easier to understand than the 12–15 page realtor versions while still protecting both parties and satisfying lenders, title companies, and county recorders.
Every week, clients paid me $450–$950 just to draft a basic FSBO contract. Most were middle-class families in Central and Southwest Ohio who simply could not justify that cost on top of closing expenses. After seeing the same frustration repeatedly, I decided to release a professional-grade, regularly-updated Ohio real estate purchase agreement PDF at no charge.
Important Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every real estate transaction is unique. I strongly recommend consulting a licensed Ohio real estate attorney or title company before signing any binding contract, especially if your sale involves divorce, trusts, probate, multiple heirs, or commercial zoning.
Download Ohio Purchase Agreement (Word) Download Ohio Purchase Agreement (PDF)
Follow this exact order to avoid mistakes that could delay or kill your closing:
Ohio is one of the few states that requires sellers to complete a statutory Residential Property Disclosure Form. You can download the official form directly from the Ohio Division of Real Estate: https://com.ohio.gov/documents/real_DREResidentialPropertyDisclosureForm.pdf
Even when using my simple Ohio real estate purchase agreement, you must still provide this separate disclosure or your contract can be rescinded within three days.
Any home built before 1978 requires the EPA-approved lead paint pamphlet and disclosure. My template contains the exact language required by 42 U.S.C. § 4852d and the check-box acknowledgment.
| Feature | My Free Template | Ohio Realtors Form |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6 pages | 13–15 pages |
| Cost | Free | Usually $0 with agent |
| FSBO-Friendly | Yes | No (agent fields required) |
| Financing Contingencies | Conventional/FHA/VA/Cash | Same + USDA |
| E-Sign Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Title Company Accepted | Yes (statewide) | Yes |
Most Franklin County title companies accept my template without changes. Columbus Realtors members sometimes push their longer form, but it is not mandatory.
Cuyahoga County requires the point-of-sale inspection affidavit in some cities (Cleveland Heights, South Euclid, etc.). Add a short addendum if applicable.
Strong preference that seller pays owner's title policy. My template already reflects this custom.
Is a handshake deal legally binding in Ohio?
No. Ohio Statute of Frauds (ORC § 1335.04) requires all real estate contracts to be in writing and signed.
Do I need a lawyer to close in Ohio?
No, but title companies perform most closings. Attorneys are required only for certain probate or trust sales.
Can I use this for multi-family or commercial property?
No – this template is residential 1–4 units only.
Is the contract valid if we sign electronically?
Yes. Ohio adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) in 2000.
After helping more than 800 Ohio families buy and sell homes – many of them FSBO – I firmly believe most straightforward residential transactions do not require $15,000 in commissions or $1,000 attorney-drafted contracts. My free simple Ohio real estate purchase agreement gives you the same core protections the big forms provide, in plain English, at zero cost.
Download it today, fill it in, and move forward with confidence.
Download Free Ohio Real Estate Purchase Agreement (Word + PDF)
Last updated: November 2025. Always verify current law with a licensed professional. This article and template are not legal advice.