As a real estate attorney and business writer with over twelve years drafting and reviewing Colorado-specific contracts, I’ve helped hundreds of buyers, sellers, and FSBO parties close smoothly while avoiding expensive mistakes. One document I’m asked for most often is a reliable, up-to-date Colorado real estate purchase contract. Below you’ll find my completely free, attorney-reviewed Colorado real estate contract template along with a detailed guide on how to use it correctly in 2025.
Download the template at the end of this article – available in both PDF and editable Word formats.
Why You Need a Proper Colorado Real Estate Purchase Agreement
Colorado law does not require that real estate contracts be prepared by an attorney, but the Colorado Real Estate Commission strongly recommends using the Commission-approved forms whenever a broker is involved. When you’re doing a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transaction or simply want to understand exactly what you’re signing, having a clean, compliant Colorado real estate purchase contract is essential.
A well-drafted contract protects both parties and satisfies Colorado’s Statute of Frauds (C.R.S. § 38-10-108), which requires real estate contracts to be in writing and signed to be enforceable.
Free Download: 2025 Colorado Real Estate Contract Forms
Click the buttons below to download my attorney-drafted template – updated for 2025 law changes including new lead-based paint language, electronic signature rules, and current IRS reporting references.
↓ Download Colorado Real Estate Purchase Contract (PDF)
↓ Download Colorado Real Estate Purchase Contract (Word – editable)
Key Sections Every Colorado Real Estate Contract Must Include
After reviewing thousands of contracts, these are the non-negotiable sections I always include:
- Identification of Parties (Buyer & Seller full legal names)
- Legal Description of Property (not just the street address – use the official description from the county assessor or title commitment)
- Purchase Price and Earnest Money Deposit
- Financing Contingency (or “Cash” if no loan)
- Title Contingency & Title Insurance
- Seller’s Property Disclosure (or exemption if applicable)
- Inspection Contingency & Resolution Deadline
- Appraisal Contingency
- Closing Date and Possession Date
- Prorations (taxes, HOA dues, rents)
- Default and Remedies
- Mediation & Attorney Fees Provision
- Governing Law – Colorado
- IRS §6045(e) Reporting (FIRPTA) language for foreign sellers
2025 Colorado-Specific Updates You Need to Know
- New source-of-funds disclosure for cash buyers over $200,000 (recommended, not yet mandatory)
- Updated Square Footage Disclosure language per Colorado Real Estate Commission Position CP-49
- Wildfire mitigation acknowledgment (required in certain high-risk counties)
- Mandatory reference to Colorado’s new 2.5% water stock assessment disclosure in some metro districts
How to Fill Out the Colorado Real Estate Purchase Contract Step-by-Step
Here’s my exact process I teach clients:
- Parties & Dates – Use full legal names exactly as they appear on driver’s licenses or entity documents.
- Property Description – Copy the legal description verbatim from the most recent deed or title commitment. Never rely only on the mailing address.
- Purchase Price – State the total in words and numbers (e.g., “Four Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($450,000.00)”).
- Earnest Money – At least 1-3% is customary in Colorado. Specify holder (title company preferred).
- Deadlines – Use the official Colorado Real Estate Commission deadline chart or my built-in table (included in the template).
- Contingencies – Strike through any you do not want. Most buyers keep inspection, title, and loan contingency.
- Personal Property – List items that convey (refrigerator, washer/dryer, etc.). Anything not listed stays with the seller.
- Signatures – Colorado recognizes electronic signatures under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (C.R.S. § 24-71.3-101 et seq.). DocuSign and Dotloop are both acceptable.
Sample Deadline Table (Included in Template)
| Deadline Item | Days After MEC
|
|---|
| Loan Objection | 12 |
| Inspection Objection | 10 |
| Title Review Objection | 8 |
| Appraisal Objection | 15 |
| Closing Date | 30-45 (custom) |
MEC = Mutual Execution of Contract
FSBO Colorado Real Estate Contracts – Special Considerations
When no broker is involved, you lose the default Commission-approved form protections. That’s why my Colorado for sale by owner contract includes:
- Built-in Seller Property Disclosure Statement (6-page Colorado form embedded)
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (required for homes built before 1978 – see EPA.gov)
- Square Footage Disclaimer per Colorado law
- Mandatory HOA/metro district document delivery language
Common Mistakes I See (And How to Avoid Them)
- Using an old 2018 or 2020 template – deadlines and disclosures have changed.
- Leaving the legal description blank or incomplete – makes the contract unenforceable.
- Forgetting to attach the Seller’s Property Disclosure – buyer can terminate within 5 days of receipt.
- Not specifying who pays owner’s title policy (traditionally seller in Colorado, but negotiable).
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Real Estate Forms
Do I have to use the Colorado Real Estate Commission contract?
Only if a licensed broker is involved and earning commission. FSBO parties may use any form as long as it meets statutory requirements.
Is a verbal agreement binding in Colorado?
No. Real estate contracts over $500 must be in writing (C.R.S. § 38-10-108).
Can I handwrite changes on the contract?
Yes, but all parties must initial every handwritten change.
Download Your Free 2025 Colorado Real Estate Contract Template
Download Colorado Real Estate Purchase Contract – PDF Version
Download Colorado Real Estate Purchase Contract – Editable Word Version
Includes: Lead-Based Paint Addendum, Seller Property Disclosure, Wire Fraud Warning, and Deadline Calculator Table.
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Real estate laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Colorado attorney or qualified real estate professional before signing any binding contract. Sources: Colorado Real Estate Commission, IRS.gov (Publication 515 & 527), C.R.S. Title 38.
Have questions about your specific transaction? Feel free to comment below – I answer most within 24 hours.