Vermont contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for Vermont agents, from signed contract to closing. Use it as a starting point: your signed contract always wins.
The contract
Most residential deals use the Purchase and Sale Contract (Vermont REALTORS), published by Vermont REALTORS. Closings are usually handled by a closing attorney.
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 |
| 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 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
Customary: Seller's Property Information Report (customary) (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Water / wastewater permits; Act 250 land-use permits (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: Property transfer tax 1.25% (0.5% on the first $100,000 of a main home), paid by the buyer. (confirm with your broker)
Sellers who live out of state: Vermont withholds 2.5% of the price unless the state approves less (Form RW-171). (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.