2025 North Carolina Real Estate Contract Updates: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Each July 1, North Carolina releases a new Offer to Purchase and Contract. The 2025 version is out, and it is three pages shorter and much easier to read. Below is a plain-English guide to every change, why it matters, and how to keep your deal on track.

Watch the video first. Get the full 25-minute breakdown on our YouTube channel:
▶️ Tiffany Webber explains every 2025 contract change

Big Wins on Page 1

• Key dates upfront – Closing, due-diligence, and settlement dates are now in one easy spot.

• Seller concessions box – Quickly note cash or percent-of-price concessions without hunting through fine print.

• Extra parcel checkbox – Handy if the sale includes more than one lot or a boat slip.

Why you care: Less digging means faster reviews and fewer missed deadlines. See how our team can simplify your closing.

Clearer Due-Diligence Options

• Pick a fixed calendar date or “X days after the effective date.”

• Protects buyers if one party signs later than the other.

Tip: Talk to your lender early, so your loan can wrap before due-diligence ends. Learn more in our guide for buyers.

Earnest Money and Escrow Fixes

• The escrow agent can send disputed funds to the clerk of court if the parties cannot agree.

• If a buyer’s check bounces, they have one banking day to wire cleared funds.

Remember: Miss the deadline, and the seller may cancel and keep deposits.

New “Closing Is the Practice of Law” Note

Out-of-state buyers often expect a title company, not an attorney. The contract now explains that North Carolina closings are attorney handled from start to finish. Our firm guides you through the whole process—start on our about page to see how we work.

Fixtures, Personal Property, and Solar Panels

• Boxes are gone; the list now sits in paragraph form.

• Red text warns: “Do not assume.” If you want the fridge or washer, write it in.

• Solar panels with loans? Use an attorney-drafted addendum and clear it with the lender first.

Loan and Appraisal Reminders

• This contract still has no loan or appraisal contingency.

• If financing falls through after due-diligence, the buyer risks all deposits.

Pro move: Get a solid pre-approval before you offer. Sellers can also request proof of funds on cash deals.

Repairs and “Strongly Advised” Timing

Requests made moments before due-diligence ends rarely get answers. The form now “strongly” advises buyers to send repair lists early, giving sellers time to respond in good faith.

Other Highlights

What Stays the Same

• Property sold “as is.” Seller can refuse repairs.

• Survey or title issues discovered any time before recording still must be fixed.

• Brokers cannot draft their own custom clauses—use approved forms or hire an attorney.

Bottom Line

The 2025 contract is shorter, clearer, and puts the big details on page 1. Yet the stakes are still high: miss a date, and you can lose hard-earned money.

Need help? The real-estate team at Thomas & Webber explains every clause, keeps your timeline tight, and protects your investment. Ready for a smooth closing? Send your contract to [email protected] or call us today.

Thomas & Webber, PLLC – Serving North Carolina buyers and sellers with trusted legal guidance.