Plain-language definition
What does Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) mean?
The contract between a buyer and seller setting out the price, deposit, closing date, conditions, inclusions, exclusions, and other terms of a real-estate purchase.
Practical significance
Why it matters in a mortgage file
It matters because an approval can still fail before funding if verification, conditions, legal work or disclosures remain incomplete.
The exact treatment depends on the lender, property, borrower profile, transaction structure and governing documents. A term used conversationally may be narrower or broader than the meaning used in a commitment, registered charge, appraisal, insurer guideline or statute.
For the broader transaction framework, read The Purchase Mortgage Timeline.
Underwriting perspective
How professionals apply the concept
In underwriting, agreement of purchase and sale (aps) is not reviewed in isolation. The professional must identify the source document or policy controlling the term, verify the underlying facts, assess how it affects risk or qualification, and document any exception or assumption. For legal, tax, accounting or appraisal questions, the appropriate professional's opinion should control.
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This entry is general educational information. Mortgage rules and lender policies can change, and the result depends on the complete application and transaction. It is not legal, tax, accounting, appraisal, investment or financial advice.