Texas Residential Real Estate Contract Form 1601 TREC 20-16 | A Seller’s Guide

When you decide to sell a home in Texas, you aren’t just putting a sign in the yard and waiting for the offers to roll in. You’re entering a legally binding process governed by a powerful document: the Texas residential real estate contract. Specifically, we’re talking about the Texas One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) TXR Form 1601, also known as TREC Form 20-16. This sellers guide to the Texas residential real estate contract will explain what this form really means, what to watch out for, and how to make it work to your benefit.

Yes, contracts can be intimidating. But that’s why you don’t have to go it alone. Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, brings a unique blend of hands-on experience and academic expertise to every transaction. He’s not just in the business; he teaches it. And with Robbie in your corner, you’re not navigating the Texas residential real estate contract by guesswork.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) — Key Takeaways: A Sellers Guide to the Texas Residential Real Estate Contract

1. The Texas residential real estate contract governs the terms, rights, and obligations in a home sale—you must understand it fully before signing.
2. This sellers guide to the Texas residential real estate contract breaks down what every seller should know about pricing, contingencies, and closing.
3. Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, leads clients with precision and unmatched experience.
4. Robbie’s expertise comes from decades in real estate, national speaking, and teaching agents across the country.
5. You should use Robbie if you want confident guidance, strategic insights, and a competitive edge others simply can’t deliver.

What Exactly Is This Contract?

At its core, the Texas residential real estate contract sets the ground rules for the sale. It covers everything from property description to price, financing to contingencies, and timelines to closing logistics. It’s structured by the Texas Real Estate Commission and widely used in resale transactions.

But just because it’s standardized doesn’t mean it’s simple.

This document is where expectations are made legally enforceable. It’s the difference between a handshake and a hard commitment. Once signed, both parties are locked into a roadmap that leads directly to the closing table. And any misstep or misunderstanding along the way can cause real consequences.

Robbie English and his team offer expert guidance that ensures you understand every clause, deadline, and nuance before you sign anything. When something this important is on the line, there’s no substitute for clarity.

Your Responsibilities as a Seller

Let’s be honest: selling a property isn’t just about marketing or staging. As a seller, you carry legal responsibilities the moment a contract is signed. You’ll need to disclose known material defects. You’ll be required to keep the property in essentially the same condition as when the buyer made the offer. And you’ll have to meet every timeline outlined in the contract—even ones you didn’t realize existed.

Don’t be caught off guard. Robbie will help you anticipate what’s expected at each phase. His proactive approach makes sure your interests are protected before, during, and after an offer comes in.

Understanding Purchase Price and Financing Terms

One of the most scrutinized sections of the Texas residential real estate contract is the portion that addresses the purchase price and how the buyer plans to pay it.

This section outlines how much earnest money is being deposited, the proposed down payment, and what kind of financing (if any) the buyer is using. Will it be cash? A VA loan? Conventional financing? It matters.

Why? Because certain types of financing require more time. Others come with inspections, appraisals, or underwriting surprises that can delay or even derail the deal. Robbie knows how to spot potential red flags early and can guide you on how to respond to each offer appropriately.

Don’t just look at the bottom-line number. Consider how it’s being paid and what strings may come attached. That’s part of the strategic value Robbie brings to the table.

Navigating Contingencies and Custom Clauses

The next area where the Texas residential real estate contract can trip up sellers is contingencies. These are conditions that must be met before the sale becomes final. Typical examples include financing approval, a satisfactory inspection, or the sale of the buyer’s current home.

These clauses can extend timelines and introduce uncertainty into your plans. But with the right insight, they can also be negotiated strategically to give you more certainty and control.

In addition to built-in contingencies, the contract allows for custom provisions. These are specific instructions or agreements tailored to your situation. Need repairs done a certain way? Want to exclude a specific fixture from the sale? This is where you make that happen.

Robbie has mastered the art of leveraging custom clauses to protect your position without adding friction to the deal. This is where his background as a national speaker and instructor shines. He understands how contracts are taught, how agents are trained to write them, and how to stay one step ahead of the curve.

What Happens at Closing

The final act in the transaction is the closing. And while it may feel like the finish line, it’s actually a stage filled with final details that need your attention.

The contract sets the closing date, outlines where it will happen, and explains who pays which costs. As the seller, your responsibilities include delivering a clear title, providing any documentation the title company requires, and ensuring the property is ready for possession.

Failure to meet even one of these requirements could trigger penalties or delay the closing. That’s why having someone like Robbie steering the process is essential. He doesn’t just show up for the paperwork. He ensures every loose end is tied up long before the final day arrives.

Why Sellers Choose Robbie English Over Other Agents

There are thousands of real estate agents across Texas. But few operate with the depth of knowledge and strategic finesse that Robbie English brings.

Robbie isn’t just a Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty. He’s also a trusted voice in the industry, frequently called upon to speak at national events and train the next generation of agents. When you choose Robbie, you’re not getting someone who took a weekend course and got lucky with a license.

You’re hiring someone who has spent decades mastering the real estate profession so that you don’t have to.

His clients benefit from this every day. Whether it’s identifying contract loopholes that others miss, managing the logistics of complicated timelines, or ensuring your property is positioned competitively, Robbie leads from a place of deep experience and client-first strategy.

When your signature is going on a contract this important, wouldn’t you rather it be guided by someone who teaches the fine print for a living?

A Strategic Partner From Offer to Closing

From your first offer to the day you hand over the keys, Robbie English and his team are there. They don’t disappear after a listing appointment or a home tour. They stay engaged, dialed-in, and always advocating on your behalf.

When it comes to something as critical as the Texas residential real estate contract, you need someone who doesn’t just understand the form—but knows how to use it to elevate your outcome.

This sellers guide to the Texas residential real estate contract is your starting point. But Robbie will take you the rest of the way.

Because selling your home isn’t about filling in blanks. It’s about making every clause count. And no one does that better than Robbie English with Uncommon Realty.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and my opinions should not be considered legal advice. Any discussion regarding this topic in the comments does not create a client-agent relationship. If you are needing legal advice, please contact a competent real estate attorney.