Instructions – How to Use EZ Offer Forms

EZ OFFER CALIFORNIA – COMPLETE USER GUIDE

How California Realtors Use EZ Offer Forms for Residential Transactions

SECTION 1 — Overview: What EZ Offer Does

EZ Offer California simplifies the process of preparing real estate forms by giving brokers and agents:

  • Prebuilt, ready-to-use California transaction forms

  • A simplified workflow for completing offers and disclosures

  • Step-by-step guidance on required fields, timelines, and best practices

Important: EZ Offer is not a law firm. Forms are attorney-supervised templates for educational and practical use, not legal advice.

Form Assistance Guide

Enclosed in the EZ Offer System are Comprehensive Guides on How to Complete Each Form – What to Check, Leave Blank, and Typical Practices in California Deals

These guide explains:

• Which forms are required in typical California home sales

• What you MUST fill in

• What professionals normally leave blank

• Normal timelines, fees, and expectations

• Standard practices that help avoid problems

This is NOT legal advice, but a practical completion guide used by real estate brokers on real deals.

GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR CLIENTS

  • Leave blanks for escrow number, title company, and agent ID; these are completed by professionals.

  • Always initial every page.

  • Check boxes only if they apply to your specific deal.

  • If unsure, consult your real estate agent or attorney before completing.

  • Do not modify footer disclaimers or attorney references.

  • Sign only in blue or black ink.

  • Always review timelines, deposit amounts, and included/excluded items carefully.

  • Double-check spelling of all names; must match IDs, LLC filings, or title documents exactly.

GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR CLIENTS

• Leave blanks for escrow number, title company, and agent ID these are completed by professionals.

• Always initial every page.

• Check boxes only if they apply to your specific deal.

• If unsure, consult your real estate agent or attorney before completing.

• Do not modify footer disclaimers or attorney references.

• Sign only in blue or black ink.

AVOIDING COMMON MISTAKES BROKERS MAKE

  1. Failing to Attach Required Addenda
    Examples:

  • Short Sale

  • Probate

  • Trust

  • Tenant-Occupied

  • Solar

  • HOA documents

  • Vacant Land
    Correct Approach:
    Attach all applicable addenda at offer submission.

  1. Missing Signatures or Initials
    Common errors:

  • Missing initials on pages

  • Trustee failing to list capacity

  • One spouse signing when both required
    Correct Approach:

  • Verify complete signatures and initials

  • Capacity must follow signature (e.g., “Jane Doe, Trustee”)

  1. Delayed HOA Review
    Mistake:

  • Delaying review of CC&Rs, budget, reserves, bylaws
    Correct Approach:

  • Request full HOA package within 48 hrs of acceptance

  • Inform clients:
    “Review takes 24–72 hours and impacts contingency removal timelines.”

  1. Misunderstanding “As-Is”
    Mistake:

  • Believing “As-Is” means no inspections
    Correct Explanation:

  • Buyer retains full inspection rights

  • Seller simply won’t perform repairs

  1. Ignoring Solar Ownership Status
    Correct Approach:

  • Determine whether panels are owned, leased, financed, or PACE

  • Immediately request solar contract

  1. Tenant-Occupied Errors
    Correct Approach:
    Request within 24 hours:

  • Lease copy

  • Rent ledger

  • Move-in condition report

  • Tenant contact

  • Deposit verification

  1. Incorrect 1031 Language
    Correct Language:
    “No cost or liability shall accrue to the non-exchanging party.”

  2. Wrong Contingency Timelines
    Recommended guidelines:

  • Short Sale: 17 days AFTER lender approval

  • Probate: 21–30 days

  • HOA: 10–14 days

  • Vacant Land: 21–30 days

  • HUD/REO: As dictated by seller

  1. Removing Short-Sale Contingencies Too Early
    Correct Approach:
    Never remove contingencies until lender approval letter is received.

  2. Submitting Incomplete Offers
    Checklist (in ideal order):

  • Cover sheet

  • RPA

  • All relevant addenda

  • Proof of funds

  • Preapproval + DU/LP

  • Buyer ID if required

  • EMD verification

BEST PRACTICES & COMPLIANCE

  1. Agent Must Pre-Review All Documents Before Sending to Client
    Verify:

  • Correct dates

  • Names and entities

  • Missing fields

  • Attachments

  • Financial terms

  1. Provide Written Explanations for Complicated Addenda
    Explain in simple language:

  • Probate

  • Trust

  • Solar

  • Tenant

  • Short sale

  1. Use the “Offer Completion Checklist” (Provided in Section 6)

  2. Document Major Conversations in Writing
    Send summary emails such as:
    “Per our discussion, you have instructed me to proceed with ____.”

  3. Keep Offer Documents in Organized Single PDF
    Listing agents prefer clean packages.

  4. Never Provide Unauthorized Legal Advice
    Refer complex legal questions to escrow, attorney, or title company.

SAMPLE “CORRECTLY COMPLETED” EXAMPLES

  1. Solar Addendum

  • Solar Provider: Sunrun

  • Agreement #: SR-10847

  • Monthly Payment: $128

  • Transfer Fee: Seller pays

  • Buyer Acknowledgment: Initialed

  1. Seller-in-Possession Example

  • Daily Rent: $150

  • Duration: 5 days after COE

  • Deposit: $1,000

  • Move-Out Condition: Professionally cleaned

  1. Trust Seller Example

  • Seller Name: John Chen, Trustee of the Chen Family Trust

  • Supporting Document: Trust Certification Attached

  1. Tenant-Occupied Addendum Example

  • Tenant Vacating: Yes

  • Move-Out: 10 days after COE

  • Proration: Actual rent received

  • Deposit Transfer: $2,800

SECTION 2 — How EZ Offer Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Broker Selects the Form

Choose the appropriate form based on the transaction (RPA, AD, WFA, addenda, disclosures, etc.).

2. Broker Completes the Form for the Client

Enter all required fields based on standard California practice.

3. Form Is Emailed to the Client

The client adds missing details, initials each page, and signs electronically.

4. Broker Receives Completed PDF

Download the finalized PDF and deliver to the other party’s agent or upload into the transaction system.

SECTION 3 — Single vs. Multi-Party Signing

Single Party (Most Common)

  • Broker represents the buyer only.

  • Buyer receives the form to complete/sign.

  • Broker manually forwards the executed form to the listing agent.

If Representing a Seller

  • Seller receives the form.

  • Broker delivers finalized documents to the buyer’s agent.

Multiple Forms May Be Needed

Transactions often require:

  • Addenda

  • Disclosures

  • Special condition attachments

See “Form Assistance Guide” for details.

SECTION 4 — Form Assistance Guide

Included inside EZ Offer: Detailed walkthroughs for every major California transaction form.

These guides cover:

  • Required fields vs. optional fields

  • What new agents commonly miss

  • What to leave blank for escrow/title

  • Normal timelines & fees

  • California-standard drafting practices

This is practical guidance only — not legal advice.

SECTION 5 — General Guidance for Clients Completing Forms

✔ Leave blank:

  • Escrow number

  • Title company

  • Agent ID

  • Broker file numbers (filled by professionals)

✔ Must:

  • Initial every page

  • Check only boxes that apply

  • Sign using blue or black ink

  • Match names exactly as on ID/trust/LLC docs

  • Review deposit amounts, timelines, addenda, inclusions/exclusions

✔ If unsure:
Consult your agent, broker, escrow officer, or attorney.

 

SECTION 6 — Avoiding Broker Mistakes (Critical)

1. Failing to Attach Required Addenda

Examples:

  • Short Sale

  • Probate

  • Trust

  • Tenant-Occupied

  • Solar

  • HOA

  • Vacant Land

Correct: Attach all applicable addenda with the offer.

2. Missing Signatures / Initials

Common issues:

  • Missing initials

  • Missing trustee capacity

  • One spouse signing when both required

Correct:
Verify initials and signature capacity (e.g., “John Doe, Trustee”).

3. HOA Delays

Correct Approach:
Request full HOA package within 48 hours of acceptance.

4. Misunderstanding “As-Is”

Mistake: Believing “as-is” eliminates inspections.
Correct: Buyer retains full inspection rights, seller simply won’t make repairs.

5. Solar Panel Status

Identify:

  • Owned

  • Leased

  • Financed

  • PACE loan

Request the solar contract immediately.

6. Tenant-Occupied Properties

Request within 24 hours:

  • Lease

  • Ledger

  • Deposit verification

  • Move-in inspection

  • Tenant contact

7. Incorrect 1031 Language

Correct wording:
“No cost or liability shall accrue to the non-exchanging party.”

8. Wrong Contingency Timelines

Recommended:

  • Short sale: 17 days after lender approval

  • Probate: 21–30 days

  • HOA: 10–14 days

  • Vacant land: 21–30 days

  • HUD/REO: As specified by seller

9. Removing Short-Sale Contingencies Too Early

Correct:
Never remove contingencies until written lender approval.

10. Submitting Incomplete Offers

Submit in this order:

  1. Cover sheet

  2. RPA

  3. Addenda

  4. Proof of funds

  5. Pre-approval + DU/LP

  6. Buyer ID (if required)

  7. EMD verification

SECTION 7 — Best Practices & Compliance

Agent Must Pre-Review All Documents

Verify:

  • Names

  • Dates

  • Financial terms

  • Required fields

  • Attachments and addenda

Explain Complicated Addenda in Plain English

Examples:

  • Solar

  • Probate

  • Trust

  • Short sale

  • Tenant-occupied

Document Important Conversations

Send follow-up emails confirming client instructions.

Deliver Offers as a Clean Single PDF

Listing agents strongly prefer a unified, professional package.

Never Provide Unauthorized Legal Advice

Refer legal questions to escrow, title, or a real estate attorney.

SECTION 8 — Sample Completed Examples (for Reference)

Solar Addendum Example

  • Provider: Sunrun

  • Agreement #: SR-10847

  • Monthly payment: $128

  • Transfer fee: Seller pays

  • Buyer acknowledgment: Yes

Seller-in-Possession

  • Daily rent: $150

  • Duration: 5 days

  • Deposit: $1,000

  • Cleaning: Professional

Trust Seller

  • Seller: John Chen, Trustee of the Chen Family Trust

  • Trust Certification: Attached

Tenant-Occupied

  • Vacating: Yes

  • Move-out: 10 days after COE

  • Rent proration: Actual received

  • Deposit transfer: $2,800

SECTION 9 — Why EZ Offer Exists

The traditional problem:
Agents learn more about contracts after they’re already responsible for legally significant documents.

EZ Offer solves this by providing:

  • Prebuilt templates

  • Standardized workflows

  • Practical agent guidance

  • Attorney-supervised form structures

  • Best practices for compliance and professionalism

Used by:

  • New agents

  • Busy brokers

  • Transaction coordinators

  • Small brokerages

SECTION 10 — Insurance & Due Diligence

We recommend:

  • Agents carry E&O insurance

  • Agents perform due diligence on each transaction

EZ Offer is not a law firm and does not replace legal counsel. Legal advice is not provided. Users must verify requirements with their broker, escrow, or attorney. Not affiliated with CAR® or NAR®. All forms for educational and general-use purposes.

SECTION 11 — Legal Notice & Copyright

Disclaimer

EZ Offer California LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All users must verify details and requirements with their brokerage or an attorney. Forms are created under supervision of independent attorney offices for general informational and educational use only and may not apply to every transaction. No warranty is made regarding legal sufficiency. Users are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified California real estate attorney or licensed professional for advice specific to their situation. EZ Offer California LLC is not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Association of REALTORS® or the National Association of REALTORS®. REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark. Please read our full Disclaimer, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy before use.

©EZ Offer California LLC. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of any portion of this form is prohibited under U.S. copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code).