The C.A.R. California Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions (C.A.R. Form RPA), is the document which details the buyer’s offer for a seller’s California real property. Once the buyer’s offer is accepted, the RPA becomes the primary document specifying the terms of the parties’ agreement. The RPA can be used anywhere in California. Users should be aware of any additional county or city requirements that apply as they may impact completion of the form (such as paragraphs 3Q(5) and (6)); the need to add addenda or advisories (See paragraph 4).
The form is written to satisfy legal and practical considerations for the sale of property built and zoned for single-family residential use, even if a rental. The RPA is the appropriate form for condominiums as well as “stand-alone” dwellings. It is also the form to be used for the sale of a mobile home but with the applicable addendum (Manufactured Home Purchase Addendum, C.A.R. Form MH-PA)
The RPA is sometimes used by real estate licensees for the sale of residential property with two to four units. The Residential Income Property Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions (C.A.R. Form RIPA), is better suited for those properties, as they are generally used for income generating purposes.
A fully executed RPA is to be delivered to the mutually agreed escrow company and operate as binding instructions. Most escrow companies will provide their own general instructions to the buyer and seller to supplement, not supplant, the terms of the RPA.