How long after buying a house can you change your mind?

Asked by: Lucius Weber  |  Last update: February 5, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (48 votes)

You can change your mind after signing a purchase agreement but will likely lose any earnest money you deposited into an escrow account. You can even walk away at the closing table — before you sign the paperwork. But after closing, after you sign all those documents, the house is yours. For better or worse.

How late is too late to back out of buying a house?

30 days should be enough. You should also talk to your lender and see if they will float your rate down. Most lenders typically will allow you to do this if rates have improved because they don't want you jumping ship.

Can someone back out of buying a house after closing?

You cannot back out of any home sale after closing, because after closing, you own it. The only way to ``back out'' is to sell the property, which is not ``backing out'' at all, it is then selling what you now own.

Can you change your mind after signing a house contract?

Yes, buyers can change their minds about buying the house before officially closing on it. However, once both parties have signed the purchase agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract. You are then subject to any and all penalties outlined in the agreement if you then decide to not go through with the purchase.

Can you have buyer's remorse after buying a house?

It's totally normal to have buyer remorse on any large purchase. Don't make any decisions until you've had time to get past the initial phases of ownership. In all likelihood you'll be happy with your home and even come to appreciate little things like a squeaky floorboard or two.

Can you change your mind after accepting an offer on your house?

22 related questions found

What do you lose if you back out of buying a house?

However, if a buyer backs out of a purchase agreement after the contingency period has expired, they might end up losing their earnest money. Similarly, if a buyer exits the deal for a reason not stated in the agreement, they could lose their deposit.

How long do you have to change your mind after buying a house?

You can change your mind after signing a purchase agreement but will likely lose any earnest money you deposited into an escrow account. You can even walk away at the closing table — before you sign the paperwork. But after closing, after you sign all those documents, the house is yours.

How long after signing a contract do you have to change your mind?

How much time do you have to change your mind after signing a contract? The FTC's three day “cooling off” period allows consumers to void a contract they have signed within three business days without incurring any penalties.

What if I put an offer on a house and change my mind?

If the buyer changes their mind for a reason that is not covered by a contingency, they may forfeit their earnest money deposit. For example, if the buyer simply decides they do not want to purchase the home, they will likely lose their earnest money deposit.

Can a buyer pull out after signing contracts?

Following the exchange of contracts is completion, but there is usually some time for the buyer and seller to make final arrangements. All parties are legally bound following the exchange of contracts. This means that they can face legal consequences if they withdraw from the sale.

Can a buyer change their mind after closing?

Yes. For certain types of mortgages, after you sign your mortgage closing documents, you may be able to change your mind. You have the right to cancel, also known as the right of rescission, for most non-purchase money mortgages. A non-purchase money mortgage is a mortgage that is not used to buy the home.

How many days after closing do you have to back out?

How long after you buy a house can you change your mind? Once you sign the closing documents, you do not have the right to back out of your mortgage or home purchase. Once the title is transferred to your name, you become the owner.

Can you walk away from a home purchase contract?

First, whether it's called an accepted offer or an executed contract (there's no substantive difference between these terms), you absolutely can walk away. But depending on the circumstances, you can face legal and/or financial consequences.

How long does a buyer have to cancel a purchase?

Cooling-off Rule is a rule that allows you to cancel a contract within a few days (usually three days) after signing it. As explained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the federal cooling-off rules gives the consumer three days to cancel certain sales for a full refund.

How do I cancel a house purchase agreement?

If you need to terminate a mortgage agreement and state laws allow for you do so, you should follow these steps:
  1. Review the agreement. ...
  2. Contact the lender. ...
  3. Negotiate with the lender. ...
  4. Pay any applicable fees. ...
  5. Obtain a release.

How long do you have to pull out of buying a house?

The short answer is yes, a buyer is free to withdraw their offer at any time. However, depending on the contract, there may be penalties for doing so. Many purchase agreements typically include various contingencies meant to protect both parties from a deal that has gone wrong.

Can you cancel a house offer after accepted?

The short answer is yes, you can back out of an accepted house offer. However, when you sign a purchase agreement, you're entering into a legally binding contract that includes specific terms. Typically, you'll be required to make an upfront payment known as an earnest money deposit.

How long does a buyer have to change their mind?

Once a contract has been signed, a buyer may only end it for a “change of mind” during the “cooling off period”. The cooling off period is a short period of time – usually between two and five business days – after the contract is signed. During this time, the buyer can end the contract, “no questions asked”.

What happens if you accept an offer and then change your mind?

Turning down a job offer after you have already accepted it can be an uncomfortable experience. However, as long as you have not signed an employment contract with the company, you are legally allowed to change your mind.

How long do you have to cancel a contract after signing?

A federal law allows consumers to cancel contracts made with a door-to-door salesperson or anywhere other than the seller's normal place of business within three days of signing. The three-day period is called a "cooling off" period.

What is the federal law for buyer remorse?

The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dormitory, or at a seller's temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant. The Rule also applies when you invite a salesperson to make a presentation in your home.

Can you back out of a contract after signing for a house?

A buyer can back out of a home purchase even after signing a contract if all agreed-upon contingencies are not met. Common reasons for buyers to back out include issues revealed during a home inspection and problems with financing. Having a backup offer in place can help soften the blow in case a deal falls through.

At what point is it too late to back out of buying a house?

You can back out of buying a house without severe consequences up until the point all contingencies in the contract are met or waived, and you proceed to closing. Once you close on the house (signed and sealed), the sale is considered final, and backing out is no longer an option.

Can I cancel my mortgage after signing?

Yes, a mortgage offer can be withdrawn even after it was accepted.

Can I return a house I just bought?

Unfortunately, there is no legal right to return a house to the seller. Once you sign a contract and close then that is a final deal; you have received the title and own it. There are no states that allow you to simply return a house or many other major purchases.