California contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for California agents, from signed contract to closing. Use it as a starting point: your signed contract always wins.
The contract
Most residential deals use the California Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions (RPA), published by California Association of REALTORS. Closings are usually handled by an escrow officer.
Typical deadlines
Days are common starting points, not rules. Many are negotiated in every contract.
| Deadline | Typical timing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | When the last party signs (day 0) | |
| Initial deposit to escrow | 3 business days after signing | |
| Seller delivers disclosures (TDS, SPQ, NHD, AVID) | 7 days after signing | |
| Lender prequalification / verification letter | 3 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Investigation contingency removal | 17 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Insurance contingency removal | 17 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Appraisal contingency removal | 17 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Loan contingency removal | 17 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Preliminary title report reviewed | 17 days after signing | |
| HOA documents reviewed | 17 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Close of Escrow (COE) | 30 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Final verification of condition | 5 days before Close of Escrow | |
| Possession | Same day as Close of Escrow |
Disclosures and required forms
Required: Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), Civil Code 1102
Required: Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ) (confirm with your broker)
Required: Agent Visual Inspection Disclosure (AVID), from each agent (confirm with your broker)
Required: Natural Hazard Disclosure (flood, fire, earthquake zones) (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Fire hardening and defensible space notices in high fire zones (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Earthquake guide / hazards report (older homes) (confirm with your broker)
Required: Water heater bracing and smoke/CO detector statements (confirm with your broker)
Required: Megan's Law notice, Mello-Roos, supplemental tax notice (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
If it applies: Digitally altered listing photos: label them and link the originals (AB 723, from Jan 1 2026)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: County transfer tax $1.10 per $1,000 (0.11%), usually paid by the seller; some cities add their own (Los Angeles adds its ULA tax on sales over about $5 million). (confirm with your broker)
Sellers who live out of state: California withholds 3⅓% of the price (or an amount based on the gain) on Form 593; a seller's main home is usually exempt. (confirm with your broker)
Good to know
Contingencies don't lapse: the buyer removes each in writing. After the removal date the seller may send a Notice to Buyer to Perform (2 days).
Escrow, not a title closer, holds the money and documents; the RPA doubles as escrow instructions.
Let Reta track it for you
Upload your signed contract and Reta builds this timeline with your real dates, reminds you before each deadline, and drafts the emails to your client, lender and title for you to approve. Your first deal is free.
This guide is general information for licensed agents, not legal advice. Rules and forms change; confirm with your broker or a local attorney. Last checked 2026-11-10.