Maryland contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for Maryland 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 Contract of Sale (Maryland REALTORS), published by Maryland 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Ratification | 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 |
| 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 |
| Title commitment delivered | 14 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Title objections | 5 days after Title commitment delivered | Only if your contract includes it |
| HOA / condo resale package delivered (7-day review) | 10 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Settlement | 35 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Final walkthrough | 1 day before Settlement | |
| Possession | Same day as Settlement |
Disclosures and required forms
Required: Property Condition Disclosure or Disclaimer Statement before signing; if late, buyer may rescind within 5 days after receipt (RP 10-702)
If it applies: HOA / condo disclosures; buyer may cancel within 7 days if not given 7 days before signing (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, ground rent, well and septic (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: State transfer tax 0.5% (0.25% for first-time buyers, paid by the seller), plus county transfer and recordation taxes; custom splits them. (confirm with your broker)
Sellers who live out of state: Maryland withholds 8% (people) or 8.25% (companies) of net proceeds at recording; a seller's main home can be exempt. (confirm with your broker)
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.