Who Is a Vendor?
A vendor is a seller — the party who sells or offers to sell property or goods. In real estate, the vendor is the property owner selling the land or building, and the buyer is the "vendee" or purchaser. The term also applies broadly to sellers of goods and services in commercial transactions.
The Vendor's Role in a Real Estate Sale
- Holds and conveys title to the property
- Makes the disclosures and warranties required by the contract and by Florida law
- Must deliver marketable title at closing, free of undisclosed liens and defects
- Receives the purchase price in exchange for the deed
Vendor Obligations and Protections
A Florida vendor is bound by the purchase contract's terms — including deadlines made strict by a "time is of the essence" clause — and by the duty to disclose known material defects not readily observable. When a vendor finances part of the price, the vendor protects the unpaid balance with a recorded purchase-money mortgage rather than relying on an implied vendor's lien.
Related Terms
- Vendor's Lien — The seller's claim for an unpaid price
- Title — What the vendor conveys
- Deed — The instrument the vendor delivers
Barnes Walker Real Estate
Barnes Walker's real estate attorneys represent vendors and purchasers in Florida transactions, from contract through closing. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC