What document typically needs to be filed to formalize a real estate transaction?

The sales contract is the document that typically needs to be filed to formalize a real estate transaction. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, financing details, contingencies, and the obligations of both the buyer and the seller. By signing this contract, both parties commit legally to the agreed-upon terms, making it a crucial step in completing the transaction.

In contrast, an office file is a general collection of documents related to various transactions and does not serve to formalize any single transaction. A letter of intent is usually a preliminary document that outlines the intention of the parties to engage in a transaction but does not have the binding legal effect of a sales contract. Lastly, a disclosure statement is used to inform parties of specific facts about the property, such as defects or relevant information, but it is not the primary document for formalizing the transaction itself. Thus, the sales contract stands out as the essential legal instrument that finalizes the agreement between buyer and seller.