Texas option period calculator
When does the option period end under the TREC resale contract – and when are the earnest money and the option fee due?
Estimates for planning – not legal advice. Contracts can change any deadline; amendments and local rules can move dates.
Track these dates automatically – with reminders and client updates in English or Spanish.
Start free trialTexas option period: the questions coordinators ask
Does the option period include weekends?
Yes. The option period counts calendar days, so Saturdays, Sundays and holidays count. Day 1 is the day after the effective date.
Does the option period end at 5 p.m.?
Yes. Under the TREC resale contract the option period ends at 5:00 p.m. local time where the property is located, on the last day. A termination notice sent at 5:01 p.m. is late.
Can the option period end on a weekend or a holiday?
Yes. Unlike the earnest money and option fee delivery, the option period does not move to the next business day. If the last day is a Sunday, it ends that Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
When are the earnest money and the option fee due?
Within 3 days after the effective date, delivered to the escrow agent (usually the title company). If the third day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the deadline moves to the end of the next day that is not. The calculator shows that date.
What happens if the option fee is paid late?
If the buyer does not pay the option fee on time, the buyer does not get the unrestricted right to terminate during the option period. If the earnest money is late, the seller may terminate the contract before it is delivered.
How do I count the option period days?
Start the day after the effective date (the date of final acceptance written on the contract) and count every calendar day. Example: effective date on a Friday with a 7-day option period – it ends the next Friday at 5:00 p.m.
Can the option period be extended?
Only with a written amendment signed by buyer and seller, usually with an additional option fee. Every date that depends on it should be checked again – ClosingCode moves them for you when the amendment is uploaded.
Is the option period the same as the inspection period?
In Texas, yes in practice: buyers inspect during the option period. In other states the inspection or due diligence period has its own rules – use the contract timeline calculator.