Update Summary: The FR/BAR Commercial Contract now uses calendar days for all time periods—eliminating the mix of business and calendar day deadlines.
What Changed in the FR/BAR Commercial Contract?
Gone are the old bifurcated time provisions that counted short time periods in business days and longer ones in calendar days. The updated form now simplifies everything: all time periods are counted in calendar days, regardless of the number of days involved.
Calendar Days vs. Business Days: Why It Matters
This aligns the commercial form with the more familiar FR/BAR Residential Contract, which has long-used calendar days across the board. It also eliminates confusion around mixed timing rules—no more wondering whether that five-day deadline is business days or calendar days. As a reminder, other than time for acceptance and Effective Date, any time periods ending or occurring on a weekend or national holiday will extend to the next calendar day that is not a weekend, national holiday, or day on which a national holiday is observed.
What This Means for Brokers and Agents
For brokers, agents, and attorneys, this change means clearer contract timelines and fewer opportunities for missed deadlines due to counting errors. Make sure your team and clients are aware of this shift and double-check any important dates in contracts using the new form. One calendar day can make a big difference.
As always, if you have any questions about the Commercial Contract or any other real estate matters, please feel free to reach out to your trusted real estate attorney.
