Washington contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for Washington 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 and Sale Agreement (NWMLS Form 21) or Washington REALTORS forms, published by Northwest MLS / Washington REALTORS. Closings are usually handled by an escrow officer.
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) | |
| Form 17 seller disclosure delivered (5 business days) | 5 business days after signing | |
| Earnest money delivered | 2 days after signing | |
| Loan application | 5 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Inspection contingency (Form 35) ends | 10 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Repair response / inspection resolution | 3 days after Inspection contingency (Form 35) 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 resale certificate delivered (5 days to cancel) | 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 Statement (Form 17, RCW 64.06): buyer may approve or rescind within 3 business days after receipt
Required: The Law of Real Estate Agency pamphlet; written buyer brokerage agreement (since 2024) (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: County septic (OSS) inspection at sale where required (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: Graduated excise tax (about 1.1% on most homes, rising to 3% at the top) plus local, paid by the seller. (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.