The North Dakota residential real estate purchase agreement (“residential real estate purchase contract”) is a contract that is used when placing an offer to purchase real estate. The agreement initiates the negotiation process by indicating the buyer’s offer to acquire the property.
Included in the offer will be the purchase price and additional conditions established by the buyer. The seller will have an assigned period in which they can respond to the offer before it expires. During this time, the seller may alter the terms by submitting to the buyer a counteroffer. Should both parties come to an agreement on the purchase conditions, they can sign the document to create a legally binding commitment to transfer ownership of the property.
Do Sellers in North Dakota Have to Disclose Property Defects?
North Dakota does not require real estate sellers to disclose any material defects. Certain states do not require the seller to disclose all defects (caveat emptor), meaning the buyer assumes the responsibility to conduct a real property inspection to seek out any potential defects with the property. In those states, if a buyer fails to conduct a proper examination, they may not have a legal alternative to reverse the real estate transaction.
Required Seller Disclosures in North Dakota
Although with any material defects with the property, sellers in North Dakota will also need to provide the following:
- Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement. The disclosure must include all material facts of which the seller is aware could adversely and significantly affect an ordinary buyer’s use and enjoyment of the property or any intended use of the property of which the seller is aware.
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure. Any home that was constructed earlier than 1978 must come with a disclosure upon the transfer of the property that includes any data concerning the presence of lead on the premises as well as educational materials that communicate the risks involved with coming into contact with the harmful substance.
