For many investors, the most attractive benefit of an assignment of contract is the ability to profit without ever purchasing a property. This is often what attracts people to start wholesaling, as it allows many to learn the ropes of real estate with relatively low stakes.
The assignor must agree to assign their rights and duties under the contract to the assignee. The assignee must agree to accept, or "assume," those contractual rights and duties. The other party to the initial contract must consent to the transfer of rights and obligations to the assignee.
Under property law, assignment typically arises in landlord-tenant situations. For example, A might be renting from landlord B but wants to another party (C) to take over the property. In this scenario, A might be able to choose between assigning and subleasing the property to C.
The 'easy' way to assign the contract is to have a one page document stating that for some consideration, the 'buyer' transfers/assigns the contract to a new 'buyer'. Executing (signing) the assignment and receiving 'consideration' (eg $2000 or whatever) would then extinguish your rights to the contract.
Also, to enhance its enforceability, it is advisable to have the assignment agreement witnessed or notarized, depending on the jurisdiction's legal requirements. Additionally, maintaining a record of the executed contract is essential for future reference and as evidence of the assignment.
As a general rule, then, contracts interpreted under California law may be assigned; however, to be effective, there must be evidence that the assignor (the party assigning the contract) intended to transfer the assignor's title or ownership of the rights and obligations under the contract to the assignee (the party ...
(h) No assignment of wages is valid unless at the time of the making thereof, such wages or salary have been earned, except for necessities of life and then only to the person or persons furnishing such necessities of life directly and then only for the amount needed to furnish such necessities.
In California, handwritten agreements do not need to be notarized if both signers reside in the state. Using a templated agreement instead of one tailored to the specifics of the agreement may or may not hurt depending on the circumstances surrounding it.