Georgia Real Estate Market Stats & Contract Tips – October & November 2025
- Melissa Gilbert
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
Each year our TC team supports hundreds of Georgia real estate contracts from start to finish. That volume gives us unique insight into market trends, contract pitfalls, and financing challenges. In every newsletter, we share those insights so you can anticipate issues, save time, and deliver a smoother experience for your clients.
GAR Form of the Month: F510 — Key Timing Requirements to Remember
This month we’re highlighting GAR F510: Closing Attorney Acting as Holder of Earnest Money Exhibit, as well as its companion form, GAR F511: Acknowledgment of Earnest Money Holder. These forms outline how and when the closing attorney becomes the designated Holder of earnest money in a Georgia real estate transaction.
Below is a brief summary of the timing requirements contained directly in the forms.
1. Delivery of the Complete Contract to the Closing Attorney
Under F510, the parties agree that the complete, fully executed contract must be delivered to the closing attorney within 2 business days of the Binding Agreement Date. This includes the Purchase & Sale Agreement and all associated exhibits, amendments, and counteroffers.
2. Attorney’s Acknowledgment Window (F511)
Once the closing attorney receives the entire contract package, they have 5 business days to sign and return GAR F511 – Acknowledgment of Earnest Money Holder. This acknowledgment confirms the attorney’s willingness to serve as Holder after receiving the complete contract.
3. What Counts as a “Complete Contract”
The attorney’s 5-day window begins only once they have received all documents that make up the binding agreement:
Purchase & Sale Agreement
All exhibits
Counteroffers
Amendments
Any missing piece means the timeline has not begun.
4. No Changes to Earnest Money Delivery Rules
These forms do not alter how or when earnest money is delivered. They only define:
Who the Holder will be
When the closing attorney acknowledges that role
SS 724 REMOVAL OF FIXTURES WITH REPAIRS
Prior to closing, Seller shall have the right to remove from the Property the following fixtures: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Seller shall repair any damage caused by such removal prior to closing.
Thursday November 27, 2025
Thanksgiving Day
Friday November 28, 2025
Black Friday (most attorneys are closed)
Wednesday December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
Thursday December 25, 2025
Christmas Day
Thursday January 1, 2026
New Year's Day
Monday January 19, 2026
MLK Holiday
Stay Ahead in Georgia Real Estate
Each month, we break down GAR forms, market stats, and contract trends to help agents avoid common pitfalls and deliver smoother closings.
📖 Missed a past issue? Browse our Newsletter Archive.
📝 Want a refresher on GAR Form F255? Read the breakdown here.
📂 Looking for a full overview of our services? Here's our Georgia Transaction Coordinator Brochure.
👉 Bookmark this blog — we’ll be back next month with more practical insights from the contracts we process every day.
Comments