# Build a contract-to-close timeline with every deadline

A dated transaction checklist covering contingencies, earnest money, appraisal, loan, title, and closing, with owner and reminders.

- Topic: Projects & Operations
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Legal, Analyze, Plan, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/build-a-contract-to-close-timeline-with-every-deadline

## Prompt

```text
Build a contract-to-close timeline for my real estate transaction.

**My side:** [buyer / seller / both / transaction coordinator]
**Acceptance (effective) date:** [DATE]
**Contract deadlines:** [EARNEST MONEY DUE, INSPECTION, APPRAISAL, FINANCING / LOAN COMMITMENT, TITLE REVIEW, HOA DOCS REVIEW, SALE-OF-HOME, FINAL WALKTHROUGH, CLOSING - as written in the contract, calendar or business days]
**Financing:** [CONVENTIONAL / FHA / VA / CASH, LENDER]
**Property specifics:** [HOA/CONDO, WELL/SEPTIC, PRE-1978 BUILD, TENANT-OCCUPIED, NEW CONSTRUCTION]
**Parties and contacts:** [AGENTS, LENDER, TITLE/ESCROW OR ATTORNEY, INSPECTOR]

Build:
1. A chronological table: Date | Deadline or task | Owner | What must be delivered | Reminder date | Consequence if missed.
2. Calculate dates from the effective date using the counting method I specify. If I do not specify how weekends and holidays count, flag it as [CONFIRM COUNTING RULE] rather than guessing.
3. Add property-specific items (lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978, septic or well tests, HOA resale certificate, tenant estoppel).
4. Add standard items: utility transfers, closing disclosure review timing, wire-fraud warning to the client, walkthrough checklist.
5. List the five deadlines where a missed date costs my client the most.

End with a short weekly status email template for my client. Remind me that the signed contract and my broker's guidance control; this is a planning aid, not legal advice.
```

## What to fill in

- buyer / seller / both / transaction coordinator
- DATE
- CONVENTIONAL / FHA / VA / CASH, LENDER
- AGENTS, LENDER, TITLE/ESCROW OR ATTORNEY, INSPECTOR
- CONFIRM COUNTING RULE

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