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Use the TREC Contract Form
Step 7 of 29 · Selling the W home in Texas, without an agent
What this is
The TREC contract is the standard form used to sell a home in Texas. Its full name is the "One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale)."
Why it matters
Using a standard form means both sides work from the same, well-tested language. It greatly reduces mistakes.
Key parts to know
- Paragraph 13 — prorations: how expenses like property taxes are split between you and the buyer at closing. Texas property taxes are paid in arrears, so you will credit the buyer a share.
- Paragraph 7 — the inspection contingency: it lets the buyer inspect and, in some cases, back out or ask for repairs.
- Paragraph 6C — the survey paragraph (see Step 9).
Related addenda
Sometimes extra forms are attached:
- Third Party Financing Addendum — when the buyer is getting a loan.
- Addendum Concerning Right to Terminate Due to Lender's Appraisal — when an appraisal affects the buyer's loan.
The law, in plain English
TREC is the Texas Real Estate Commission. It publishes the form free on trec.texas.gov. Important: TREC says these forms are intended primarily for licensed agents. So have the title company help you fill it out correctly.
How to do it
- Download the form free from trec.texas.gov.
- Sit with the title company to fill in the blanks.
- Read every blank carefully before signing.
Good to know: The form is long. That is normal. Take it one paragraph at a time with the title company.
Watch out: Do not write your own contract from scratch. Use the standard TREC form and get help.
Sources: TREC contract forms · TREC form changes (survey ¶6C)
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