11/13/2025
Agents — If you want fewer fires and more smooth closings, you need to master contingency timelines.
Contingencies protect your buyers — but if you miss the deadlines or skip written removals, it can cost them their deposit and cost you the deal.
Here’s your must-know guide to common contingencies, timelines, and tools to stay ahead:
Standard Contingencies & Timelines (per Section 14 of the RPA ):
- Inspection – 17 days
- Appraisal – 17 days
- Loan – 21 days
- Title Review – 5 days from receiving report
- Seller Disclosures (TDS, SPQ) – 5 days from delivery
- Natural Hazard / Statutory Disclosures – 5 days from receipt
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978) – 10 days for inspection
- HOA Docs – 3 days from receiving documents -Section 10D(2)
- Final Walkthrough (VP form) – ~5 days before closing - Section 16
- Sale of Buyer’s Property (COP form) – Timeline varies — must be managed diligently from day one
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
- Buyer risks losing their deposit
- Seller may issue Notice to Perform
- Deal can be canceled by the seller
- You (the agent) risk a client relationship breakdown — or worse
The CAR Forms You Need:
CR – Contingency Removal
EA – Extension of Time Addendum
RR – Request for Repairs
NOP – Notice to Perform
VP – Verification of Property Condition
COP – Contingency for Sale of Buyer’s Property
Always use DocuSign or an e-sign platform to get timestamped signatures and send to escrow ASAP.
Pro Tips to Stay Ahead:
- Plug all deadlines into Google Calendar, Outlook, or your iPhone — on Day 1
- Set alerts 5 AND 3 days before each due date
- Submit ALL removals or extensions in writing — never rely on texts or verbal agreements
- Need an inspector, appraiser, or lender? We’ve got a list of trusted local professionals ready to help
What Escrow Can (and Can’t) Do
- As your escrow partner, we don’t remove contingencies (RPA §19), but we:
- Track deadlines
- Flag missing items
- Keep the process moving smoothly — with heart
Because here at Menifee Valley Escrow, every deed is a good deed.
And your growth? We’re in it with you.