How Georgia’s State of Emergency Affects Real Estate Contract Deadlines & Why Having the Right Agent Matters

At Buy Georgia Realty, we know that buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. When unexpected events—like a State of Emergency—impact real estate contracts, having an experienced and knowledgeable agent can make all the difference.

With the State of Emergency declared in Georgia, it’s important to understand how it affects your contract deadlines, what options you have, and why working with an agent who stays on top of these changes is crucial to keeping your transaction on track.

Understanding the Extension of Contract Deadlines

On January 9, 2025, Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all Georgia counties, effective January 10, 2025, through January 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

According to the 2025 Georgia REALTORS® Purchase and Sale Agreement, any contract deadlines that had not yet passed when the emergency was declared are automatically extended for the full duration of the emergency.

This means that if you had a deadline—whether for due diligence, financing, appraisal, or even closing—scheduled between January 10 and January 14, 2025, it is now automatically pushed back five additional days.

Here’s what the contract stipulation states:

"In the event the Governor of Georgia declares a state of emergency for the county in which the property is located, all time deadlines herein, including but not limited to the Closing Date, shall be automatically extended for the number of days the emergency exists in that county. Nothing herein shall prevent the parties by mutual agreement from proceeding forward without extending such deadlines."

Why This Matters for Buyers & Sellers

Understanding how a State of Emergency impacts contract deadlines is critical because it affects everything from inspections to closing dates. Here’s what you need to know:

• All active contract deadlines are extended by five days unless both parties agree otherwise.
• Lenders, appraisers, and attorneys may be adjusting schedules, so transactions could see slight delays.
• Buyers and sellers have the right to move forward on schedule—but only if all parties agree in writing.

For buyers, this could mean more time to complete due diligence, secure financing, or finalize contingencies. For sellers, it could impact your timeline for moving or closing on another home.

Why Choosing an Experienced Agent is Crucial

Not all agents are fully aware of how a State of Emergency impacts contracts. Working with an agent who understands these legal nuances can protect your interests and prevent unnecessary delays. At Buy Georgia Realty, we:

✔ Stay informed on legal changes that impact real estate transactions.
✔ Communicate proactively with lenders, attorneys, and all parties to keep deals on track.
✔ Ensure buyers and sellers understand their options and can make informed decisions.
✔ Help navigate challenges that arise during unexpected events, so your contract remains secure.

If you’re currently in a real estate transaction, it’s critical to double-check how this extension affects your specific deal. If there is any uncertainty, we strongly recommend that you reach out to your closing attorney for legal guidance.

What You Should Do Next

If you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, here’s what you should do:

• Review your contract to determine if any deadlines have been extended.
• Check with your lender, inspector, and closing attorney to confirm new timelines.
• If you have questions or concerns, consult your real estate attorney to ensure you’re protected.
• Communicate with your agent to explore your options if you’d prefer to proceed without the extension.

At Buy Georgia Realty, we are actively working to ensure our clients stay informed, prepared, and protected during this time.