How do I quickly set and track Colorado CREC contract deadlines without missing something important?

A simple way is to use a one-page contract date guide that shows suggested deadline ranges counted from Mutual Execution of Contract (MEC), so you can draft cleaner contracts and avoid preventable mistakes.

⬇️Download the PDF HERE

You can save it to your desktop, keep it on your phone, or drop it into your transaction checklist so it’s always within reach.

Why deadlines feel harder than they should

If you’ve written enough Colorado contracts, you already know the truth.

Deadlines are not hard because the contract is confusing.

Deadlines are hard because you’re juggling everything at once: showings, inspections, lender updates, HOA docs, title work, and client questions coming in fast.

That’s why I love having a one-page reference you can pull up in seconds.

This 2026 CREC Contract Date Guide is designed to help you set realistic dates, keep your timeline tight, and reduce missed-deadline stress.

What this Contract Date Guide is

This PDF is a visual cheat sheet that lists common Colorado contract items and shows suggested day ranges from MEC for each deadline.

It’s organized into categories, including:

• Title

• Owner’s Association

• Seller’s Property Disclosure

• Loan and Credit

• Appraisal

• Survey

• Inspection and Due Diligence

• Closing and Possession

The biggest value is speed.

Instead of guessing, searching old transactions, or reinventing the wheel, you can reference the guide and set dates that usually make sense for a standard deal.

Who should use this PDF

You’ll get value from this guide if you are:

• A Colorado real estate agent writing offers and counters

• A newer agent who wants guardrails while learning deadlines

• A busy agent who wants a fast double-check tool

• A transaction coordinator who tracks and confirms timelines

• A team lead who wants consistent contract practices across the team

  
  

How to use the guide in real life

Here’s the simplest workflow:

1. Confirm MEC

   MEC is the date the contract (or counterproposal, if applicable) is signed by all parties. The guide even recommends verifying MEC by email to avoid misunderstandings.

2. Set deadlines using the ranges

   Use the guide’s day ranges as a starting point, then adjust based on:

   • property type and condition

   • HOA complexity

   • lender timeline

   • inspection availability

   • negotiation leverage

3. Track the big-ticket deadline groups

   In most transactions, the “mission critical” clusters are:

   • Title and HOA

   • Inspections and due diligence

   • Loan, appraisal, and underwriting timing

   • Closing and possession

     
     

The most important sections inside the guide

Title and title objections

The guide outlines suggested windows for:

• Record Title

• Record Title Objection

• Off-Record Title

• Off-Record Title Objection

• Title Resolution

• Third Party Right to Purchase (with a note to determine if Right of First Refusal applies)

  
  

Why it matters: title deadlines are where you protect your client’s exit ramps and your ability to negotiate solutions.

HOA documents and termination timing

It includes suggested timing for:

• Association Documents

• Association Documents Termination

HOA timelines can make or break closings, especially when documents are delayed or incomplete.

Inspection and due diligence deadlines

This is one of the most useful parts of the PDF because it groups together:

• Inspection Termination

• Inspection Objection

• Inspection Resolution

• Due Diligence Documents Delivery

• Due Diligence Documents Objection

• Due Diligence Documents Resolution

• Property Insurance Termination

• Water and mineral rights examinations (when applicable)

This is the category where missed deadlines create the most client frustration, because inspections and negotiations move fast.

Loan, credit, and appraisal checkpoints

The guide includes suggested timing for:

• New Loan Application

• New Loan Terms

• New Loan Availability

• Appraisal, Appraisal Objection, and Appraisal Resolution

It also calls out rarely-used deadlines that may apply when an existing loan will not be released (example: assumable loans or wrap-around deeds of trust) and suggests contacting your employing broker or a real estate attorney before completing those sections.

Closing and possession

It highlights:

• Closing Date

• Possession Date and Possession Time (including a note tied to delivery of deed)

• Acceptance Deadline date and time

Possession terms create confusion more often than they should, so having a quick reference helps you spot issues early.

Bullet-point summary: what you’ll learn from downloading this PDF

• How to think about deadlines as day ranges from MEC

• The most common timing windows for title, HOA, inspections, loan, appraisal, and closing

• What to double-check when Record Title is a buyer vs seller deadline

• When Right of First Refusal might require date changes

• Where to slow down and get guidance for existing loan scenarios and special financing

• Why post-closing possession often needs a post-closing occupancy agreement

  
  

Final takeaway

Deadlines don’t have to feel like a guessing game.

When you have a clean one-page reference, you write cleaner offers, you communicate timelines better, and you reduce avoidable fire drills mid-transaction.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify details with your title company or legal professional before making decisions.

Questions? Contact:

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Jerad Larkin, Chicago Title

303.630.9430

Info@MileHighTitleGuy.com.