When does the transaction process begin?

The transaction process in real estate primarily begins when negotiations have concluded and the contract has been signed by all parties involved. This moment signifies that all terms and conditions have been agreed upon, and the commitment to proceed with the transaction is formalized through the signed contract.

This is a critical stage because prior to the signing, discussions, offers, and negotiations can occur without any binding commitment. Once the contract is executed, it creates legal obligations for both the buyer and the seller, marking the official start of the transactional relationship and allowing the process to move forward toward closing.

While moments such as the listing of the property, the buyer making an offer, or the seller accepting that offer are important components of the overall process, they do not fulfill the requirement of initiating the transaction in a legal sense. The definitive start is reached only when all parties have agreed to the terms in a signed contract.