Double Closing Contract Template for Real Estate Wholesaling

Looking for a double closing contract template that actually protects your profit and keeps your real estate wholesaling business on solid legal footing? You’re in the right place. Double closings have become increasingly important in today’s market, especially as February 2025 housing data shows rising home values and elevated mortgage rates pushing more investors toward creative deal structures. When spreads get bigger and assignment clauses get tighter, understanding how a double closing works can be the difference between a smooth payday and a deal falling apart at the finish line.

In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about double closing real estate transactions—step by step and in plain English. You’ll learn what a double closing actually is, how it differs from a standard assignment, and the exact scenarios where this strategy gives you more control and more profit. We’ll walk through the must-have clauses in each contract, show you how the A–B and B–C agreements fit together, explain the timeline, and point you toward trusted places to access double closing contract templates you can actually use.

By the time you’re done, you’ll have a strong working knowledge of how to structure a double close, how to talk about it with sellers and buyers, and how to avoid the common mistakes that trip up new wholesalers. Think of this as your practical, real-world roadmap to executing back-to-back closings with confidence.

Jump Links

• What Is a Double Closing Contract?
• How a Double Closing Works (Step-by-Step)
• When to Use a Double Closing vs Assignment
• Pros and Cons of Double Closing
• Essential Clauses in a Double Closing Contract Template
• Double Closing Contract Template Example (2025)
• Drafting & Negotiating Your Double Closing Contracts
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Double Closing Contract?

A double closing contract is the paperwork that makes a true back-to-back wholesale deal possible. In double closing real estate transactions, you’re not assigning a contract — you’re actually entering into two separate purchase agreements: one with the seller (the A–B contract) and one with your end buyer (the B–C contract). These two agreements function independently, even though the closings typically happen minutes or hours apart.

This is very different from a standard assignment contract. In an assignment deal, you never become the buyer. You’re simply transferring your rights in the contract to someone else for a fee. With a double close, you step into the middle position as the buyer in one transaction and the seller in the next. This structure protects your spread, keeps the wholesale fee private, and allows you to close deals where assignments aren’t allowed — something many investors and educators highlight when comparing double closing vs assignment in real estate wholesaling.

The heart of the double closing strategy is those two purchase agreements. The A–B contract outlines the terms between you and the property owner. The B–C contract outlines the terms between you and your cash buyer. Both contracts need clear pricing, timelines, and contingencies so the title company can smoothly coordinate the back-to-back closings. When executed correctly, this setup gives wholesalers far more control over the transaction and eliminates the awkwardness of buyers or sellers seeing your assignment fee.

Once you understand how the two purchase agreements fit together and why this strategy gives wholesalers more flexibility, the entire double closing process starts to feel far less intimidating. And now that you’ve seen how assignment vs double closing compares, the next step is learning how the back-to-back structure actually works in practice.

How a Double Closing Works (Step-by-Step)

The double closing process might sound complicated at first, but once you see the moving parts laid out, it becomes one of the most predictable and repeatable strategies in real estate wholesaling. The goal is simple: use two separate purchase agreements to buy and resell the same property on the same day, keeping your profit private while staying fully compliant.

Here’s the complete double closing process broken down into clear, beginner-friendly steps:

1. Secure the Property with the A–B Contract
   This is your agreement with the seller. You lock up the property at a strong wholesale price and include clear contingencies, timelines, and closing instructions. This first contract establishes your position in the deal.
2. Negotiate the Purchase Price with the Seller
   Just like any standard wholesale deal, you and the seller agree on terms that make sense for both parties. Successful wholesalers stay focused on solving the seller’s problem while buying low enough to leave room for your spread on the B–C side.
3. Find a Qualified End Buyer and Execute the B–C Contract
   Once the property is under contract, you market it to your buyers list and find a cash buyer willing to purchase it at a higher price. This second contract (the B–C contract) states the sales terms between you and your end buyer. This is where your profit is created.
4. Arrange Funding for the First Closing
   Because the transaction requires you to purchase the property before selling it, you’ll need short-term capital. Most wholesalers use transactional funding, but in some cases the title company can structure the deal so end buyer funds flow into the first closing. The best method depends on your market, your title company, and your buyer’s flexibility.
5. Coordinate Title/Escrow and Close Both Deals Back-to-Back
   This is where an investor-friendly title company becomes your best friend. They prepare both files, verify both contracts, confirm the timeline, and facilitate the A–B and B–C closings. These typically happen minutes apart. You first close with the seller, then immediately resell to your end buyer. Once both closings are complete, the title company cuts you a check for the spread.

When done correctly, these double closing steps create a smooth, fully compliant transaction that keeps your profit discreet and gives you total control over the deal. It’s a powerful option every wholesaler should understand and have in their toolkit.

When to Use a Double Closing vs an Assignment

One of the biggest questions new wholesalers ask is, “How do I know when to double close instead of assigning the contract?” The truth is, both strategies work — but they shine in different situations. An assignment is the simplest and fastest option, but a double close gives you more privacy, more control, and more flexibility when the deal structure gets sensitive.

Think of double closing as your go-to wholesale strategy when you want to keep your profit private or when the seller, the buyer, or the contract itself makes an assignment difficult. Many investors choose it specifically to avoid the awkwardness of a buyer seeing their assignment fee or a seller backing out because they realize they sold too low. As several investor guides point out, privacy is one of the biggest advantages of double closing, especially on large spreads or emotional sellers who may react unpredictably once they see your numbers.

On the flip side, when the deal is clean, everyone is comfortable, and the spread is modest, an assignment is often more than enough. It requires no funding, involves fewer steps, and can close extremely fast.

The key takeaway is this: assignments are your quickest path to payday, but double closings are your safety net when the deal needs privacy, structure, or a little more finesse. Mastering both gives you flexibility — and flexibility is what separates average wholesalers from consistently profitable ones.

Pros and Cons of Double Closing

Double closing is one of the most powerful tools in a wholesaler’s toolkit, but like every strategy, it comes with trade-offs. When you understand both the benefits of double closing and the disadvantages of double closing, you’ll know exactly when this approach makes sense — and when an assignment would be the smarter play. The biggest advantage is privacy; the biggest drawback is increased cost and coordination. Let’s break it down clearly.

When you weigh privacy and control against cost and complexity, the right strategy becomes clear. Use double closing when protecting your spread or navigating a sensitive deal; it matters more than speed or simplicity. Use assignments when the deal is clean, the fee is modest, and everyone is aligned. Knowing the difference gives you a major advantage as you scale your wholesaling business.

Essential Clauses in a Double Closing Contract Template

A solid double closing depends on having two clean, well-structured purchase agreements. Each contract serves a different purpose, but both must contain clear, airtight language so the title company can coordinate the back-to-back closings without confusion. These double closing contract clauses are what protect you, keep the transaction compliant, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Below is a breakdown of the key purchase agreement terms every wholesaler should include in both the A–B contract and the B–C contract.

A–B Contract Clauses (You ↔ Seller)

• Parties & Property Description. Identifies you and the seller, along with a precise legal description of the property. Clear identification avoids title issues later.
• Purchase Price. Establishes the amount you are paying the seller. This is the foundation of the entire deal and determines your potential spread on the B–C side.
• Earnest Money Deposit. Specifies how much you are putting down and where it will be held. Even a small earnest money deposit builds trust and formally binds the agreement.
• Closing Date & Escrow Instructions. Lays out the intended closing timeline and which title company will handle the file. Consistency is critical since the B–C contract must align with this date.
• Assignment Clause (Usually Prohibited). Many sellers, agents, and on-market contracts restrict assignments. In a double close, this clause often prohibits assignment anyway, reinforcing your need to use two purchase agreements.
• Inspection Contingency. Gives you time to evaluate the property and confirm the numbers. This contingency is essential for wholesalers who need flexibility before committing fully.
• Closing Costs Allocation. Defines who pays what at closing. In most double closings, wholesalers negotiate for the seller to pay standard seller costs, keeping your expenses predictable.
• Disclosure of Existing Obligations (If Applicable). If there are liens, tenants, or other issues, the seller must disclose them. Clean communication upfront prevents delays on closing day.

B–C Contract Clauses (You ↔ End Buyer)

• Parties & Property Description. Identifies you as the seller and clearly describes the property being resold. This contract mirrors the A–B description to avoid title discrepancies.
• Purchase Price. Specifies what your end buyer is paying. The difference between the A–B and B–C purchase price is your wholesale profit.
• Earnest Money Deposit. Requires your end buyer to put down a meaningful deposit. This protects you from buyers who back out or hesitate.
• Closing Date. Matches or immediately follows the A–B closing date. The two must be aligned for the double closing to work.
• Contingencies (If Any). In most wholesale deals, B–C contracts are written clean with limited contingencies. This keeps the transaction fast and reduces risk on your end.
• Closing Costs Allocation. Typically outlines that the buyer pays most of the closing costs. This ensures that your profit isn't eaten up by unnecessary expenses.
• Disclosure Related to the A–B Transaction. While you don’t reveal your spread, the contract may acknowledge that another transaction is occurring beforehand. This keeps the deal transparent without compromising your profit.
• Proof of Funds Requirement. Ensures your end buyer can actually close. Title companies often require documented funds before preparing back-to-back files.

When both contracts contain these essential purchase agreement terms, the double closing becomes far smoother for you and the title company. These clauses eliminate surprises, establish clear expectations, and protect your position from contract to closing table — exactly what you want when executing a professional A–B contract and B–C contract in a double closing.

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Double Closing Contract Template Example (2025)

A double closing contract template is really a pair of contracts — not a single document. Because a double close uses two separate purchase agreements (the A–B contract between you and the seller, and the B–C contract between you and the end buyer), there is no “one-page” universal form that covers both sides at once. Each agreement must stand on its own, with clear terms, clean contingencies, and state-specific language that keeps the deal fully compliant.

Since every state has different disclosure laws, closing requirements, and contract structures, the best approach is to start with a strong, attorney-reviewed template and customize it based on your state. This is one of the most common mistakes new wholesalers make — grabbing a generic form online without realizing their local laws require specific clauses. A quick review from a real estate attorney can save you headaches, delays, and legal issues down the road.

If you want a reliable starting point, Real Estate Skills offers a free wholesale real estate contract download that walks you through how each document fits into the full transaction. These templates are designed specifically for wholesalers, making them far more useful than generic state association contracts when you’re learning how to structure your A–B and B–C agreements correctly.

Drafting & Negotiating Your Double Closing Contracts

Drafting and negotiating a double closing contract is all about clarity, confidence, and communication. The more precise your contracts are — and the more aligned your seller, buyer, and title company are — the smoother your back-to-back closings will run. Think of this phase as equal parts contract prep and relationship building. When you do both well, even complex deals begin to feel predictable.

Start by working with an investor-friendly title company. Not all title companies understand wholesale transactions or the double closing structure, so your choice matters. A team that handles investor deals daily will know how to prepare both files, coordinate timing, line up funding, and prevent last-minute surprises. They’re also your best resource for confirming whether your end buyer’s funds can be used to complete the first closing.

Next, lean on a wholesale real estate attorney, especially when you’re new. Every state has different rules around disclosures, contract wording, and the timing of funds. An attorney can review your A–B and B–C contracts, make state-specific adjustments, and help ensure your double closing negotiation is airtight.

As you draft each agreement, keep your contingencies and timelines clear. Sellers appreciate transparency, and buyers need certainty. The more clarity you build into your contracts, the more trust you earn on both sides of the transaction.

• Verify your end buyer’s funding early. Before you finalize the B–C contract, confirm that your buyer has liquid funds or hard money committed. This prevents delays and protects you from buyers who can’t close.
• Use “and/or assigns” only when assignments are allowed. Even though you’re planning a double close, some wholesalers keep this language for flexibility. If the A–B contract forbids assignments, remove it to stay compliant.
• Build trust with the seller through communication. Keep them informed about timelines, inspections, and next steps. A seller who feels supported is far more likely to close smoothly — even on fast transactions.
• Clarify your role with the end buyer. Explain that you’re the seller in the second transaction and that the property must close on your timeline. This reduces confusion and speeds up communication with the title company.
• Keep your contingencies simple and realistic. A tight inspection period or short closing timeline can strengthen your negotiating position, but always choose terms you can realistically meet.
• Coordinate closing dates across both contracts. The A–B and B–C contracts must match or align closely. Misaligned dates are one of the most common reasons new wholesalers run into preventable closing delays.

When you draft with precision and negotiate with transparency, you create consistency — and consistency is everything in double closing. With the right title company, a trustworthy attorney, and solid communication on both sides, your double closing contracts will reflect a level of professionalism that buyers and sellers immediately respect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Before we wrap up, here are some quick answers to the most common double closing FAQs so you can move forward with confidence and avoid the mistakes that trip up new wholesalers.

What is a double closing?

A double closing is a wholesale strategy where you buy a property from the seller and then immediately resell it to your end buyer in two separate transactions. It keeps your profit private and gives you more control than a traditional assignment.

Why would I choose a double closing over an assignment?

Most wholesalers choose a double close when they want privacy on a large spread, when the contract prohibits assignments, or when the seller isn’t comfortable with assignment language. It’s the cleaner, more controlled option for sensitive or higher-profit deals.

Is double closing legal in all states?

Yes, double closing is legal in every state as long as you follow local contract laws, provide accurate disclosures, and use separate purchase agreements. That said, the exact rules vary by state, so consulting a real estate attorney is always smart.

How are closing costs handled?

Because there are two closings, there are two sets of closing costs. Wholesalers typically negotiate for the seller and buyer to pay their respective costs, but the exact structure depends on your local market and your negotiation strategy.

Do I need my own money to double close?

Not always. Some wholesalers use transactional funding or structured deals where the end buyer’s funds are applied to the first closing. Whether you need cash depends on your state laws, title company, and buyer.

Can I use transactional funding?

Yes. Transactional funding is the most common way wholesalers finance the A–B side of a double close. It’s short-term capital used specifically for back-to-back closings, and it’s typically repaid within the same day.

When does a double close become illegal?

A double close becomes illegal if any party is misled, if disclosures are withheld where required, or if you attempt to reuse the same contract for both transactions. Staying transparent and following state-specific requirements keeps your deal compliant.

What disclosures are required?

Most states require you to disclose that another transaction will occur before the end buyer takes title. While you don’t need to disclose your profit, your contracts should clearly reference each transaction’s independent nature.

Final Thoughts on Our Double Closing Contract Template

A double closing can feel complicated the first time you hear about it, but once you understand how the two contracts fit together, the entire strategy becomes one of the most powerful tools in real estate wholesaling. It gives you privacy, protects your profit, and allows you to close deals that would fall apart under an assignment — especially the big ones where emotions or contract restrictions get in the way.

Now that you know how the process works, what clauses matter, when to use a double close, and how to draft and negotiate your contracts, you’re in a much stronger position to execute back-to-back closings like an experienced investor. With the right title company, clean agreements, and a focused negotiation approach, double closings become repeatable, predictable, and highly profitable.

*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.