Virginia contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for Virginia 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 Purchase Contract (Virginia REALTORS, 2026 rewrite) or NVAR K1231, published by Virginia REALTORS / NVAR. 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 | 5 business 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 |
| POA / condo resale packet delivered (3-day cancellation right) | 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: Residential Property Disclosure Statement (DPOR, buyer-beware form) (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: POA / condo resale disclosure packet with the buyer's cancellation right
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: Recordation tax 0.25% (buyer) and grantor tax 0.1% (seller); Northern Virginia adds a congestion relief fee. (confirm with your broker)
Good to know
The buyer chooses the settlement agent (attorney or title).
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.