Texas contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for Texas agents, from signed contract to closing. Use it as a starting point: your signed contract always wins.
The contract
Most residential deals use the One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), TREC 20-18 (2026 revision mandatory July 1 2026), published by Texas Real Estate Commission (mandatory). Closings are usually handled by a title company.
Typical deadlines
Days are common starting points, not rules. Many are negotiated in every contract.
| Deadline | Typical timing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Contract fully signed (Effective Date) | When the last party signs (day 0) | |
| Earnest money and option fee to the escrow agent | 3 days after signing | |
| Option Period ends (5:00 p.m.) | 7 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Buyer Approval (Third Party Financing Addendum) | 21 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Title commitment delivered (20 days after title gets the contract) | 20 days after signing | |
| Survey or T-47 affidavit / T-47.1 declaration delivered | 10 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Title and survey objections | 5 days after Title commitment delivered | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Subdivision information / resale certificate delivered | 10 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Closing | 35 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Final walkthrough | 1 day before Closing | |
| Possession | Same day as Closing |
Disclosures and required forms
Required: Seller's Disclosure Notice (Prop. Code 5.008); if late, buyer may terminate within 7 days of receipt
Required: Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) at first substantive communication
Required: Written buyer representation agreement before acting for a buyer (SB 1968, from Jan 1 2026)
If it applies: MUD / PID / POA notices printed in the contract (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: New water and storage tank disclosure items (2026 forms) (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Lead-based paint addendum (built before 1978)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: No transfer tax.
Good to know
The buyer may end the deal for any reason until 5:00 p.m. local time on the last day of the option period.
Legal holidays in the 2026 forms include Juneteenth and the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Licensees must use TREC forms; anything else is drafted by a lawyer.
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.