A Real Estate Bill of Sale is a critical legal document that formalizes the transfer of personal property (like appliances or furniture) during a real estate transaction. It’s the legal backbone of any property deal. On this page, you’ll find a free downloadable bill of sale template in PDF or Word format, along with tips to use it effectively.
TL;DR: A real estate bill of sale is a legal document that transfers personal property (like appliances or furniture) from a seller to a buyer during a home sale. It acts as a formal sales receipt and, when signed, becomes a binding record that protects both parties.
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What Should Be on a Real Estate Bill of Sale?
This form serves as a formal record of the personal property included in the sale. The table below breaks down the key sections you’ll find in the template.
| Section | Description / Example |
|---|---|
| Property Information | The full street address, city, state, and ZIP code of the real property. |
| Parties Involved | Full legal names and contact information for the Buyer(s) and Seller(s). |
| Personal Property | A detailed list of all personal property included in the sale, such as appliances, furniture, and fixtures. |
| Purchase Price | The total purchase price for the property and the payment terms (e.g., earnest money, balance at closing). |
| Condition of Property | A statement (usually “As Is”) clarifying that the property is sold in its current condition without warranties. |
| Signatures | Signature lines for both Buyer and Seller, along with the date, to make the document a legally binding record. |
Ownership of real estate is transferred by deed. Ownership of personal property is transferred using a bill of sale. Personal property like furniture, fixtures, and equipment in a business… are transferred using a bill of sale.
0:00 hey everybody perfect ceremony I’m over 0:02 it are these fools welcome to your real 0:03 estate tip of the week 0:08 today’s tip of the week is all about the 0:10 bill of sale so there are two main types 0:13 of property one type of property is real 0:17 property another type of property is 0:20 personal property real estate like this 0:23 house if you bought this house from me I 0:26 would give you a deed so a deed 0:28 transfers title to real estate personal 0:31 property is transferred using a bill of 0:33 sale so very important if you buy my 0:36 restaurant or liquor store or drycleaner 0:38 I will own the land in any of those 0:40 businesses but I do well in the business 0:42 so if you bought my business you’re not 0:44 going to get a deed to the business 0:46 because there’s no real estate that’s 0:47 transferred you would get something 0:49 called a bill of sale 0:51 so again personal property like 0:53 furniture fixtures equipment in a 0:55 business those are transferred using a 0:58 bill of sale so easy quick questions we 1:00 can get right on the test ownership of 1:03 real estate is transferred by deed 1:05 ownership of personal property is 1:07 transferred using a bill of sale
Deed of Sale vs. Bill of Sale: What’s the Difference?
A real estate bill of sale is often confused with a deed. Both transfer ownership, but they cover different types of assets. Understanding the difference is crucial for a clean transaction.
| Document | What It Transfers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Deed | Transfers **real property** (the land and the structures permanently attached to it). | The house and the lot it sits on. |
| Bill of Sale | Transfers **personal property** (movable items not permanently fixed to the land). | The refrigerator, washer/dryer, or hot tub. |
Recommended Tools for Digital Closings
While our template is great for reference, modern real estate transactions rely on digital tools for e-signatures and state-specific forms. Consider using platforms like:
- DocuSign or Dotloop: For securely sending and signing documents electronically.
- zipForm® or Form Simplicity: These platforms, often provided by REALTOR® associations, offer state-specific templates that ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, once the bill of sale is signed by both the buyer and the seller, it becomes a legally binding record of the personal property transfer. It serves as proof of sale and ownership change.
While not always required for personal property, having a bill of sale notarized adds a significant layer of legal protection and validity. A notary public’s seal confirms the identity of the signatories, which can be invaluable in preventing future disputes.
A real estate purchase agreement outlines the terms for the real property (land and building). A bill of sale is used to itemize and transfer the *personal property* that is included in the sale (like appliances, furniture, etc.). Using both ensures that every part of the transaction is clearly and legally documented.
About the Author
Joseph E. Stephenson, REALTOR®
License #00054082 | Kansas & Missouri
Affiliated with Welch & Company (License #CO00000477)
Joseph E. Stephenson is a licensed real estate professional in Kansas and Missouri with a career built on dedication to integrity and client-focused service. To learn more about how Joseph can assist you in your real estate endeavors, visit his REALTOR® profile at realtor.com.
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