St. Augustine Real Estate Contract & Amendment Attorneys | Post-Closing Agreements

Ensuring Your Real Estate Contract Protects You From the Start

Every Florida real estate transaction begins with a contract. But not all contracts are created equal—poorly drafted agreements or missing contingencies can lead to costly disputes down the road. At St. Johns Law Group, St. Augustine’s largest law firm, our attorneys draft, review, and amend real estate contracts to ensure they protect your rights and hold up under Florida law.

We represent buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and investors in residential and commercial transactions across St. Johns, Duval, Flagler, Clay, and Putnam Counties, providing both preventive drafting and remedial contract amendments when issues arise.

Why Real Estate Contracts Matter

Real estate contracts control nearly every aspect of a deal—financing, inspections, deadlines, disclosures, and remedies. Errors or omissions can expose you to:

• Title and survey disputes

• Hidden defect claims under Johnson v. Davis

• Buyer or seller defaults

• Earnest money deposit disputes

• Ambiguity that sparks litigation

📌 Cluster Connection: Contract Disputes & Remedies | Closings & Title Services

Real Estate Contract Services We Provide

Contract Drafting & Review

We draft and review contracts for:

• Residential sales and purchases

• Commercial transactions and leases

• FSBO (For Sale By Owner) deals

• Investment and 1031 exchange agreements

📌 Cluster Connection: Buyer Representation | Seller Representation

Contract Amendments & Addenda

Even the best contracts need adjustments as deals progress. We prepare legally enforceable amendments for:

• Inspection and repair negotiations

• Financing or appraisal deadline extensions

• Price changes or seller concessions

• Addenda for tenant estoppel certificates or rent rolls in commercial sales

📌 Cluster Connection: Commercial Leasing | Investor & 1031 Exchange

Post-Closing Agreements

Not every issue can be resolved before closing. Sometimes buyers and sellers reach agreements that extend beyond the closing date. Our attorneys draft and enforce post-closing agreements to protect your interests, including:

• Seller occupancy or lease-back arrangements after closing

• Holdbacks or escrows for unresolved repairs

• Agreements regarding final permits, code compliance, or lien releases

• Title or survey issues that surface late in the process

• Post-closing indemnification for certain risks

These agreements require careful drafting to avoid disputes. Our team ensures that responsibilities, deadlines, and remedies are clear so you don’t face surprises after the deal closes.

📌 Cluster Connection: Quiet Title | Real Estate Litigation

Risk Management Through Amendments

Amendments safeguard your investment by:

• Preserving your rights if inspections reveal defects

• Providing remedies if financing is delayed

• Clarifying ambiguous contract terms

• Avoiding unnecessary litigation

📌 Cluster Connection: Hidden Defects & Johnson v. Davis

Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?

• Preventive Protection – We catch risks before they become disputes.

• Full-Service Real Estate Team – From drafting contracts to litigating disputes, we cover the full transaction lifecycle.

• Local Knowledge – Our attorneys know Northeast Florida’s real estate market and courts.

• Dedicated & Responsive Service® – You get clear communication and focused legal solutions.

FAQs About Real Estate Contracts, Amendments & Post-Closing Agreements

Can I move in before or after closing without risk?
Yes, but only with a written post-closing agreement—otherwise, you risk liability or disputes.

What if repairs aren’t finished before closing?
We can draft a post-closing holdback or escrow agreement requiring funds to remain in escrow until work is complete.

Are post-closing agreements enforceable?
Yes, if properly drafted by an attorney and signed by all parties. Courts enforce them just like purchase contracts.

Can amendments be made after closing?
No. Once closed, amendments convert into post-closing agreements—a different but enforceable legal tool.

Meet Our Real Estate Contract Attorneys

• Douglas N. Burnett – Founder; experienced in contract negotiation and amendments

• John L. Whiteman – Title and closing attorney with decades of experience and deep knowledge of contract drafting

• Hillary Mesa– Focused on enforcing and defending contract rights in disputes

Contract Review Before You Sign

Before signing a purchase agreement, send it to our team. We will:

• Review for legal protections

• Ensure contingencies, deadlines, and financing terms are clear

• Suggest or draft amendments or addenda

Add St. Johns Law Group as Title & Escrow Agent:

Escrow & Title Agent
St. Johns Law Group
104 Sea Grove Main Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
📞 (904) 495-0400

We’ll take it from there.

📞Call St. Augustine Real Estate Contract Attorneys

📞 Call 904.495.0400 or email info@sjlawgroup.com today.

At St. Johns Law Group, we make sure your real estate contract works for you—not against you—through clear drafting, strategic amendments, and enforceable post-closing agreements.