Double Check that FR / BAR Contract for Possible SCAM

REMINDER: even if a form looks familiar, be sure to review the contract, line by line, to make sure something isn’t missed, changed or added by the other side.

Florida Realtors is proud that the Florida Realtors®/Florida Bar® Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase (“FR/Bar”) is widely used for a large percentage of real estate transactions in this state.

Despite the popularity of the FR/Bar contract, it is always good to remember that there are many other forms available for use in a real estate transaction. Which form to use in the sale of real property is as negotiable as the terms of price and closing date. Developers, investors, and individual buyers and sellers may prefer to use a particular contract other than the FR/Bar.

Take nothing on a form for granted! While it can be time-consuming, an agent should carefully review each contract that passes through them prior to sending it to their customer. Agents should always make sure to tell their customers to read the forms thoroughly, as well. If the customer would like their attorney to review it, that is always their right. It is better for the parties to invest additional time reviewing the contract, rather than investing additional money from their pockets to litigate a contract dispute.