Contract Deadlines & Timeframes

Right to cancel a refinance or home equity loan on primary residence.

Note: Does not apply to purchase loans

Right to revoke a contract for undeveloped subdivision lots.

Note: Applies to subdivisions with 100+ lots

FTC Cooling-Off Rule for sales made at home or temporary locations.

Note: Does not apply to real estate transactions at broker's office

Right to cancel a timeshare purchase.

Note: California: 7 days, Florida: 10 days, check your state

Lender must provide Loan Estimate after receiving loan application.

Buyer must receive final Closing Disclosure before settlement.

Note: Changes may require new 3-day waiting period

Buyer has 10 days to conduct lead inspection (pre-1978 homes).

Note: Can be waived by buyer, but disclosure is mandatory

Seller must disclose known material facts about property condition.

Note: Timing varies by state - check local requirements

Disclosure of property location in flood, fire, or earthquake zones.

Note: Required in most states for residential transactions

Time for buyer to complete property inspections.

Note: Negotiable - 10 days is common

Time for lender to complete property appraisal.

Note: Often tied to loan contingency

Time for buyer to secure loan approval.

Note: Longer periods needed for complex loans

Time for buyer to sell their existing home.

Note: Seller may include kick-out clause

Time for title company to research property history.

Note: Issues may extend timeline

Time to activate license after passing exam.

Note: California: 1 year, Texas: 1 year

Period between required license renewals.

Note: California: 4 years, Florida: 2 years

Required education hours before license renewal.

Note: Check your state requirements

Additional education required for new licensees.

Note: Not all states require post-license education

Real estate contracts must be written to be enforceable.

Note: Applies to sales, leases over 1 year, listings over 1 year

Time limit to file lawsuit for breach of written contract.

Note: California: 4 years, New York: 6 years

Time of continuous possession to claim ownership.

Note: Requires open, notorious, hostile, continuous possession

In race-notice states, first recorded deed has priority.

Note: Recording should happen immediately after closing

Time limit to file a fair housing discrimination complaint.

Note: File with HUD or state agency first

Time to identify replacement property in a tax-deferred exchange.

Note: Strict deadline - no extensions

Time to complete purchase of replacement property.

Note: Runs from sale of relinquished property

Ownership and use requirement for $250K/$500K exclusion.

Note: Must be primary residence

Annual or semi-annual property tax payment deadlines.

Note: California: Nov 1 & Feb 1, Texas: Jan 31