About ContractRules
ContractRules is a free, sourced reference to the rules that shape US residential real estate transactions, one state at a time.
Who runs it
ContractRules is run by a Georgia residential real estate broker. It started as the cheat sheet I wanted when a referral, a relocating client, or a new law raised the question “how does this work in that state?”
How the research works
- Primary sources only. Every rule links to a statute, regulation, state regulator page, court decision, or the state REALTOR® association's form or guidance. Occasionally a topic also includes practitioner input from a working broker about common practice. It is always labeled, and it is never treated as a primary source. If a topic relies on practitioner input as a source, that topic is capped at “partially verified.” Practice notes shown in a separate “Practitioner input, not a rule” box don't count toward a topic's status.
- Dated. Each item shows the date its sources were last checked.
- Honest gaps. If we couldn't verify something from a primary source, the page says Not verified yet instead of guessing.
- Plain English, no clause drafting. We summarize what rules require. We never write contract or clause language for you.
- Public change log. Material changes are dated in the change log.
Status labels
Verified The summary is backed by the linked primary source(s). Partially verified Part of the topic is sourced, and the rest is flagged in the text. Not verified yet We haven't confirmed it from a primary source yet.
Sponsorship and affiliates
ContractRules may carry one clearly labeled sponsor and, later, a labeled continuing-education comparison with affiliate links. Neither affects research, wording, or verification status. See the affiliate & sponsor disclosure.
Privacy
The site sets no cookies and runs no analytics. See the privacy policy.
Not legal advice
See the full disclaimer.