What Is Included in a California Purchase Agreement for San Diego Buyers?

The California RPA: Your Most Important Document

The California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) is the standardized contract used in virtually all residential real estate transactions in San Diego. The RPA is a multi-page document covering every material aspect of the transaction — from price and contingencies to closing timelines and dispute resolution.

Key Sections of the California RPA

• Purchase price and financing terms: The agreed price, down payment amount, loan amount, and loan type
• Contingencies: Inspection, loan, and appraisal contingency periods and deadlines
• Close of escrow: The target closing date
• Inclusions and exclusions: What personal property stays with the home
• Seller disclosures: The timeline for receipt of all required disclosure documents
• HOA documents: The timeline for HOA document delivery and review period
• Liquidated damages: The earnest money is the agreed remedy if buyer defaults after contingency removal
• Dispute resolution: Mandatory mediation and optional arbitration provisions

The Liquidated Damages Provision

When both parties initial this clause, they agree that the earnest money deposit represents the maximum damages the seller can claim if the buyer defaults after removing contingencies. In California, this cap is 3 percent of the purchase price for residential properties.

The Mediation Requirement

The California RPA requires both parties to attempt mediation before filing a lawsuit for any dispute arising from the contract. Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process facilitated by a neutral third party. If mediation fails, the parties may proceed to arbitration (if both agreed to that clause) or litigation.

Read Every Page Before You Sign

The California RPA is approximately 10 to 12 pages plus addenda — and every page matters. Rieder Homes Group walks every buyer client through the key provisions of the RPA before they sign their first offer so they understand exactly what they are agreeing to. Never sign a purchase contract without understanding its terms.

Related Reading on RiederHomes.com:

→ Blog #86: Making an Offer

→ Blog #89: Contingencies Explained

→ Blog #87: Earnest Money

→ Blog #95: Can I Back Out?

— Mance Rieder, Broker Associate | Rieder Homes Group | REAL Broker | riederhomes.com | 858-295-0556