Iowa contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for Iowa agents, from signed contract to closing. Use it as a starting point: your signed contract always wins.
The contract
Most residential deals use the Residential Real Estate Purchase Agreement (Iowa Association of REALTORS), published by Iowa Association of REALTORS. 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 delivered | 3 days after signing | |
| Loan application | 5 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Inspection contingency ends | 10 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Time-of-transfer septic inspection (homes with septic) | 10 days before Closing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Repair response / inspection resolution | 3 days after Inspection contingency ends | Only if your contract includes it |
| Appraisal contingency | 21 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown. Only if your contract includes it |
| Financing (loan approval) contingency | 30 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Abstract of title updated and attorney title opinion | 21 days after signing | |
| Title objections from the attorney's opinion | 5 days after Abstract of title updated and attorney title opinion | Only if your contract includes it |
| HOA / condo resale documents 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 Disclosure of Property Condition (Iowa Code 558A)
Required: Groundwater Hazard Statement with the declaration of value
If it applies: Time-of-transfer septic inspection report attached to the Groundwater Hazard Statement
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: Transfer tax $1.60 per $1,000 after the first $500; the seller customarily pays. (confirm with your broker)
Good to know
Title insurance can't be sold in Iowa: title is shown by an abstract and an attorney's opinion (Iowa Title Guaranty optional).
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.