Definition of "Service contract"

Tony Pykiet real estate agent

Written by

Tony Pykietelite badge icon

Coldwell Banker Gundaker

The term service contract is a written document covering a legally binding agreement signed by two or more parties involved. One of the parties is the hiring person or client, contracting another party for providing a specific service in return for a well-defined payment. Service agreements often referred to as service contracts, differ from contracts signed for goods. 

What does a service contract imply?

A contract must include the terms of service to safeguard each involved parties’ interests legally. Subsequently, the customer receives the service they requested in a satisfactory quality. At the same time, the service contract ensures that clients reimburse contractors for their work.

Service contract in everyday use

A service agreement can refer to a deal bought by a homeowner for servicing household items. This contract may be taken out with the contractor or third party. Examples are service contracts on household appliances. A service contract provides the owner with the assurance that the contractor will repair their faulty item at a set fee if problems arise. However, a service contract is usually more costly than paying for repairs as incurred.

Service contract in real estate

Additionally, we can find service contracts in the real estate business too. It’s essential to sign a service agreement before hiring a real estate agent or a broker. Clients, both homebuyers and sellers, employ local real estate agents to represent their best interests in a property purchase or sale. Once signed the agreement, the licensed brokerage will comply with its obligations to the client.

How to write a service contract?

Compiling a service contract begins with the general information of all parties involved. The primary object of the agreement must be revealed, namely the nature of the service. Then, one must include all parties’ considerations or quid pro quo. It should include information on the service or the length of coverage. No contract can be too exhaustive regarding the service aspects and reimbursement coverage. Also, include exclusions to coverage. Introduce paragraphs addressing the duties of all parties involved! By the end of the service, each party will file their claims. A service contract determines the proper way to handle demands for service delivery or payment due as every party’s right.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Stairs or porch by the front door of the house. ...

initial plaster used on a lathe. ...

The meaning of topography defines the science of mapping a specific region’s physical features. In short, the topography describes an area’s characteristics, such as its ...

“What is Situs?”, you ask.Situs is a word in Latin that basically means the site or location where something exists or originates. Like most words in latin, situs is usually ...

What does Act of God mean? Acts of God or “force majeure” is typically how an insurance policy classifies peril situations that could not be prevented or defended by men. ...

An arm’s-length transaction is a business deal, or transaction where the seller and buyer act independently of each other without influence on the other party. What sets these types ...

Interest rate that exceeds the rate on the old loan but in less than the rate on new loans. It is usually offered by the lender to encourage home buyers to refinance existing, low interest ...

Figure or value which is the starting point in computing gain or loss, depreciation, depletion, and amortization. ...

Cash payment to a lender so as to lower the interest rate on a loan a borrower must incur. The lower rate may apply for all or a part of the loan term. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions