Professional Publishing Real Estate Forms

PLAIN LANGUAGE GUIDELINES
FROM PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHING

In order to assist buyers, sellers and other parties to real estate contracts with a clear understanding of their rights and duties, Professional Publishing is committed to drafting its new and revised forms in compliance with the following plain language guidelines. Many states have enacted legislation which mandates the use of similar guidelines in all consumer contracts. The basic rule is that the document should be written, organized and designed so that it is easy to read and understand.

1. Organization. Use headings to show the order in which information is presented and to identify the content of each section. For example, "Financing Terms," "Closing," and "Evidence of Title."

2. Language.

a. Rephrase legalese into simple language. Use words that convey meanings clearly and directly. Do not use Latin and foreign words. Use short words, sentences and paragraphs.

b. Use the active voice in preference to the passive voice. For example, use "Possession will be delivered at the close of escrow" rather than "The close of escrow shall determine the delivery of possession."

c. Use the terms "seller" and "buyer" or "lender" and "borrower" consistently throughout the document.

d. Define technical terms at the beginning of the document. For example, "'PROPERTY' means the real property and any personal property included in the sale."

e. Break up multiple conditions or exceptions into simple sentences or lists.

f. Limit cross references to brief and clear descriptions of the item to which cross reference is made.

g. Do not use sentences with double negatives or exceptions to exceptions.

3. Visual Appearance.

. Use boldface type for captions.

a. Use a type size than can be read easily, with adequate space between lines and paragraphs. Use

b. Use margins that make the contract easy to read.

c. Use ink that provides a sharp contrast with the paper.

Your suggestions for making our forms comply with these plain language guidelines will be greatly appreciated.

PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHING
27 Commercial Blvd., Suite D, Novato, CA 94949

PLAIN LANGUAGE GUIDELINES FROM PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHING

PLAIN LANGUAGE GUIDELINES
FROM PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHING