Contract Walkthrough Call
Purpose: Walk the seller through the purchase agreement in plain language, guide them through the e-signature steps, and explain exactly what happens between signing and closing.
When to use: Right after the seller agrees to an offer, while you are still on the call, or on a booked follow-up call to sign.
Goal of the call: One outcome. An agreement signed by a seller who understands every key term, or a clear list of questions to resolve before they sign.
Version: v1.0
Track: Real Estate · Role: Acquisitions · Time to complete: 35 min
The principle
Once the price is agreed, you direct the next steps. You make statements, you don't ask permission. You read each line, explain it in plain words, pause for a second, and move to the next one. A seller who heard every section explained, at your pace, signs and closes.
Every client uses its own agreement. Section names and numbers differ by client and by state. This script covers the terms almost every purchase agreement contains. Before the call, read your client's agreement fully and match each section below to it.
State rules come first
Some states require a separate written disclosure before or with the agreement (for example, that the buyer may assign the contract or sell its interest for more, that the seller may seek legal advice, or that the seller has a right to cancel). Some set a waiting period before signing. Some ban recording a memorandum of the contract. Check the state's Market Compliance Card before every walkthrough, and follow your client's instructions and the title company's guidance. Never make a promise about state law yourself.
Before you dial
- Agreement prepared in the e-signature tool with the seller's names exactly as on title, the property address, the legal description if required, the price, the earnest money amount, the inspection period and the closing date.
- Any state-required disclosure ready, and its timing rule checked.
- Your client's agreement open on your screen, with your own plain-language notes for each section.
- Title company name and contact ready.
- Transaction coordinator's name ready for the handoff.
- Every person on title will be on the call, or will sign separately (each gets their own signing link).
The flow
1. Set the frame
You: Before you sign anything, I want to walk you through the agreement, section by section, so you know exactly what it says. Nothing hidden, nothing confusing.
You: Stop me any time you have a question. And you're always welcome to have an attorney review it before you sign. Okay?
Why it works: Inviting questions and offering attorney review shows you have nothing to hide. Sellers relax and listen.
If they say "I trust you, I'll just sign"
You: I appreciate that. Let's go through the main parts quickly so you know exactly what you're signing. It takes about 15 minutes.
If they say "I want my attorney to read it first"
You: That's a good idea. I'll send it now so they have it. When do you think they can review it? Let's set a time to talk after that.
Book the call back. Never discourage legal review.
If they say "Can you just email it and I'll read it later?"
You: It only takes a few minutes together, and I'll explain each part as we go. Let's open it now while I'm on the line.
If they still want to wait, book a time today or tomorrow.
2. Send it and open it together
You: Go ahead and pull up your email. Your phone is fine.
You: The agreement is going out to you now from our team. It comes from (SENDER NAME OR ADDRESS), with the subject (EMAIL SUBJECT). Do you see it yet?
Have the seller open their inbox first. When they say they don't see it yet, click send, so it arrives while they are looking.
You: Open the email and click the button to review the document. Don't sign anything yet. Let's just look at the first page together.
Why it works: The seller is watching the inbox when the agreement lands, so there is no gap between the yes and the walkthrough. Saying exactly what the email looks like prevents confusion.
If they can't find the email
You: Can you check your spam or junk folder? Search for (SENDER NAME OR ADDRESS).
Still nothing: confirm the email spelling letter by letter and resend.
If they're on a phone and the text is small
You: You can zoom in with two fingers, like a photo. Or we can set a time when you're at a computer, if that's easier.
If they're not comfortable with e-signatures
You: No problem. The title company can often arrange a paper signing instead. Would that be better for you?
Follow your client's process for paper signatures.
3. Walk through the key terms
For each section: read the line exactly as it is written, then explain it in one or two plain sentences. Don't ask a question after each one. Pause for a second, then move to the next line. The seller already knows they can stop you any time.
Group 1: Who, what and how much
| Section | Say this |
|---|---|
| The parties | "This names you as the seller and (COMPANY LEGAL NAME) as the buyer. Please check your names are spelled exactly right." |
| The property | "This is the property address. Please check it." |
| As-is | "We're buying the house in its current condition. You don't need to repair, clean or fix anything." |
| Purchase price | "The price we agreed: (PURCHASE PRICE)." |
| How you're paid | "The title company pays you at closing, by wire or check. Your mortgage and anything else owed on the house is paid off from the price first." |
Group 2: Money and costs
| Section | Say this |
|---|---|
| Earnest money | "We put a deposit of (EARNEST MONEY AMOUNT) with the title company within (EMD DAYS) days. It shows we're serious. The title company holds it, not us." |
| Closing costs | "We pay the normal closing costs and title fees, as written here. Read the list so you know which ones." |
| Liens and loans | "Any mortgage, liens or unpaid bills tied to the house are paid off from your sale money at closing, so the title transfers clean." |
| Property taxes | "You're responsible for property taxes up to the closing day. If you paid ahead, you get the extra back at closing." |
Group 3: Timing and access
| Section | Say this |
|---|---|
| Inspection period | "You'll see (INSPECTION DAYS) business days here. This lets us do two things: come out and get pictures, and get our contractors and financial partners out to walk the property. This section also explains our right to cancel during this time." |
| Access | "You agree to give us access for photos, inspections and walkthroughs before closing, at times we arrange with you." |
| Earnest money timing | "The earnest money goes to the title company once the inspection period is done, to show good faith." Use only if your client's agreement says so. |
| Closing date | "Closing is on or before (CLOSING DATE). It can move if the title company needs more time to clear a problem, as explained here." |
| Occupancy | "This says whether the house will be empty at closing, or if a tenant stays. If there's a tenant, their lease and deposit transfer to us." |
If the agreement lets the buyer cancel during the inspection period, read that line out and explain it.
Group 4: Title and protection
| Section | Say this |
|---|---|
| Title | "The title company checks the ownership records to make sure the house can be sold cleanly. Everyone gets a copy of their report." |
| Title problems | "If they find a problem, there's extra time to fix it, instead of canceling right away." |
| If title can't be cleared | "If the title truly can't be cleared, the deal can be canceled and the deposit goes back as written here." |
| Assignment | "This lets us assign the agreement to another buyer or bring in a partner. Your price and terms stay the same. If we do, the title company will tell you, and you still get exactly what's written here." |
| Marketing our contract interest | "This lets us market our contract. Once we have photos, we show the property to our financial partners and potential tenants or end buyers before we close with you." |
| Memorandum or notice of the agreement | "This simply puts a public notice on record that there's a contract in place, so the title stays protected." Only explain this if it is in your client's agreement and allowed in the state. |
Group 5: Promises from both sides
| Section | Say this |
|---|---|
| Authority to sell | "You confirm you have the right to sell the house, and that everyone who needs to sign is signing." |
| Final sale | "Once signed, this is a binding agreement, and the property can't be sold to someone else." |
| Understanding and free will | "This confirms you understand what you're signing, you're signing by your own choice, and you're comfortable with the terms." |
| Satisfied with the price | "This says you're choosing a quick, as-is sale at this price because it works best for your situation." |
| Condition until closing | "You agree not to damage the house or remove things like the furnace or water heater before closing." |
| Items left behind | "Anything you leave after closing stays with the house." |
| Not your agent | "We're the buyer. We're not your real estate agent." |
| Notice to fix | "If either of us misses something, the other gives written notice and a short time to fix it." |
| If someone doesn't close | "This explains what happens if either side doesn't follow through." |
| Everything in writing | "Only what's written here counts. No side promises." |
| Additional terms | Read any special terms you agreed (belongings, stay after closing, closing date flexibility). If none, say "There are no extra terms." |
| Cancellation right (if your state requires one) | "In your state, you can cancel within (CANCELLATION PERIOD) after signing, as explained here." |
| Signature page | "Once everyone signs, this is fully binding and we move straight into next steps." |
| Title company authorization | "The last page is an authorization the title company requires. You can sign right there." |
Then the closing reframe:
You: At this point, if everything matches what we discussed, go ahead and sign and we'll take it from here.
Why it works: Reading each line and then explaining it shows nothing is hidden. Pausing instead of asking keeps the momentum moving toward the signature.
If they ask "What if I change my mind?"
You: Good question. Let me show you the section on that.
Read the relevant section and any state cancellation right, then explain it in plain words. Answer only from the agreement. Never say "you can always back out" or "you can never back out" unless that is what it says.
If they ask "Why do you get to cancel during inspection but I don't?"
You: That's a fair question. The inspection period lets us confirm the condition, since we haven't been inside yet. If we find something new, we'll talk with you. Most of the time, nothing changes.
Never promise that the price will not change. Price changes after inspection are covered in the Price Re-Negotiation Call script and must be based on real findings.
If they ask "What does assignment mean? Who is the real buyer?"
You: It means we can pass this agreement to another buyer, like an investor partner, on the same terms. You still get (PURCHASE PRICE), and the closing still happens at the title company. You'll always know who is closing.
If the state requires a written disclosure about assignment or about selling the contract interest for more, make sure it was given and signed as required.
If they find a mistake (name, price, date)
You: Thank you for catching that. Let me fix it and resend. Please don't sign this version.
Void the old envelope in the e-signature tool and resend the corrected one.
4. Guide the e-signature
You: Everything clear? Great. Here's how to sign.
You: At the top, you'll see a button to start. Click it. It takes you to each place that needs your initials or signature, in yellow or highlighted boxes.
You: Click each box. The first time, it asks you to choose or draw your signature. After that, it fills in.
You: Please fill in any boxes for your phone number or date if it asks.
You: At the end, click the sign or Finish button. You'll get a copy by email.
You: Let me know as soon as it's signed. I'll check on my end that it came through.
Why it works: Simple step-by-step directions make the technology easy for everyone, including older sellers.
If a co-owner is signing separately
You: (CO-OWNER NAME) gets their own email with their own link. They need to sign too before it's complete. Could you let them know it's coming?
Follow up with the co-owner directly if you have their consent and number.
If they get stuck
You: No problem. What do you see on your screen right now?
Guide them one click at a time. Stay patient.
If they say "I'm nervous about signing"
You: That's completely normal. It's a big decision. Which part is worrying you? Let's look at it again.
Go back to that section, explain it again, then use the closing reframe. If they still want time, book a call back today or tomorrow.
5. What happens next
You: It came through. Thank you, (SELLER FIRST NAME). Here's what happens from here.
You: Within 24 hours, our transaction coordinator, (TC NAME), will call you. They're in charge of all of our transactions and will guide you from start to finish. They'll reach out once a week, every week, until we close, so you're always up to date.
You: We'll send the agreement to (TITLE COMPANY NAME), the title company. They hold the deposit, check the title, get the payoff for your mortgage, and run the closing.
You: Within 72 hours, we'll get a photographer to the house. If you already have pictures, send them over. The quicker the better. There will be a couple of times we need access: for pictures, for our contractors, and possibly one of our financial partners. (TC NAME) will set that up with you.
You: Always feel free to call and ask for me, but usually I'll direct you to (TC NAME).
You: Closing is planned for (CLOSING DATE). You'll sign the final documents either at the title office or with a mobile notary who comes to you. Then you're paid.
Why it works: A seller who knows every next step, and who will call them, does not panic during the quiet weeks before closing.
If they ask "Who are the financial partners?"
You: We raise money for every deal we've ever done. We have (NUMBER) main financial partners that fund our deals. If for any reason they can't get it done in the time we agreed, we bring it to other private investors on the open market to fund it in that same time.
Use your client's exact approved wording.
6. Protect them from wire fraud
You: One important safety note. Criminals sometimes send fake emails pretending to be the title company, asking to change where your money goes.
You: If you ever get an email asking for your bank details or saying the payment instructions changed, call the title company at a number you know is real before you do anything. We will never email you new payment instructions.
Why it works: Wire fraud is a real risk at closing. Warning the seller protects their money and shows you care about them, not just the deal.
7. Close the call
You: It was a pleasure getting to know you. Congratulations on bringing this chapter to a close! Any other questions for me right now?
You: You can always call me at (OFFICE NUMBER). Thank you, (SELLER FIRST NAME).
Objections
For full handling, see the Objection Handbook in the Script Library.
| If you hear | Short answer |
|---|---|
| "This is a lot of pages." | "It is. Most of it is standard. Let's go through the parts that matter, one group at a time." |
| "Why do you need access to my house?" | "For photos and a walkthrough to confirm the condition. We schedule every visit with you." |
| "Why can you cancel in the inspection period?" | "Because we haven't been inside. If we find something new, we'll talk." |
| "I want to sleep on it." | "Of course. When can we talk tomorrow?" |
Never do this
Never tell a seller to "just sign, it's standard." Read the line, then explain it.
Never skip the inspection period, the assignment section or a state-required disclosure.
Never answer a legal question with your own opinion. Say: "That's a good question for an attorney," and offer time for review.
After the call
CODE: UC, or OFFER if not yet signed
Agreement: sent (time); walked through (yes, all groups); signed by (NAMES, TIMES)
State disclosures: which ones, when given, signed (yes or no)
Questions the seller asked and your answers:
Special terms: belongings, stay after closing, date flexibility
Title company: (TITLE COMPANY NAME)
Wire fraud warning given: yes or no
Handoff: TC (TC NAME) notified (time); title notified (time)
Next step: TC intro call by (DATE AND TIME)
Next step: Upload the signed agreement and disclosures to the CRM, move the stage to Under Contract, and hand off to the transaction coordinator within one hour with your notes.
Check yourself
- What do you do after reading and explaining each line, instead of asking a question?
- What does assignment mean, in one plain sentence?
- A seller finds their name misspelled. What do you do?
- What two things do you tell the seller about wire fraud?
- A seller asks, "Can I cancel later?" Where does your answer come from?
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