Is it common to extend a closing date?

Asked by: Percival Labadie  |  Last update: July 1, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (73 votes)

In most cases, many purchase contracts allow for a one-time extension of the closing date, offering flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

Can the closing date be extended?

In most contracts, both parties must agree to any extension unless the contract specifies that one party has the right to extend unilaterally under certain conditions. The contract may specify penalties for failing to close on time or remedies if the other party is at fault for the delay.

Is it normal for a closing date to be delayed?

You can definitely expect to experience delays if there is a problem with your funding. To close on time, you'll have to have the correct amount of money available to cover your down payment and any closing costs through either a wire transfer or certified check.

Is it common to change the closing date?

Changing the closing date of a real estate contract is a relatively common request. Some buyers and sellers don't fully understand that the closing date is not a moving target. It involves several considerations, from the contract terms to the parties involved and potential repercussions.

Can a seller refuse to give an extension?

When a seller refuses to sign an extension, it can create complications in the real estate transaction. The main complication is the entire transaction could blow up, but sellers aren't required to sign a contract extension.

Before EXTENDING A Contract For A BUYER, You MUST Do This!

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What happens if you can't close on the closing date?

Sellers have the right to sue for damages Even if the reason you missed the closing date was unintentional and out of your control, the seller may pursue legal action because you are technically in breach of contract.

Can an extension be rejected?

You'll get a notice from the IRS if your extension request is denied. While the reasons behind this vary, the most common ones are: misspellings, switched numbers and other errors on the extension request form. out-of-date information, like old addresses or last names that don't match up to the IRS records.

Can you move up your closing date?

If something comes up in that time that leads one or both parties to want to reschedule the closing, that can be done, but it requires coordination and agreement from all parties involved.

How accurate are closing dates?

A specific closing date or a closing set for “on or about” a specific date does not necessarily mean that that date is the day you will actually close on your hew home. Unless the contract specifically states the date is “time of the essence,” both parties are entitled to a reasonable adjournment.

Why does my closing cost keep changing?

The mortgage closing costs may be different if something important changed or wasn't included in your Loan Estimate. It's also possible that your income or assets turned out to be different from what you estimated when you first applied.

Can a seller back out if closing is delayed?

Negotiating a delayed closing

Instead, both parties usually negotiate a new closing date. As a seller, you can set a new deadline by sending a notice. If the buyer still fails to close by this new deadline, you can consider backing out of the contract.

Who decides the closing date on a house?

The closing date is set after your mortgage loan has been approved and you accept the commitment letter. Your agent will coordinate this date with you, the seller, your lender, and the closing agent.

Why does my closing date keep getting pushed back?

There could be title issues that even the seller is unaware of, and this can precipitate legal complications that inevitably delay a closing. Title issues can include liens on the property or unpaid property taxes. There could be unresolved disputes over who owns or inherited the property.

What to do if a buyer keeps delaying closing?

A closing date listed in a sales contract is legally binding. In most cases, if the buyer is not ready to close by that date, the seller can cancel the sale. Some alternatives to canceling the contract can benefit both the buyer and the seller. Extension: The seller can offer an extension of time to the buyer.

Can you speed up closing date?

With careful organization and clear communication among the buyer, seller and lender, you can speed up the time it takes to close on a home. This can potentially save you and the seller both money and prevent unnecessary anxiety.

Can you negotiate a closing date?

The closing date is another negotiable aspect of a home purchase. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may want to close the deal quickly or need more time to make the transition. Negotiate with the seller to find a closing date that works for both parties.

Can a seller refuse to extend a closing date?

Yes, a seller can refuse to extend the closing date.

What is a soft closing date?

A soft closing in real estate refers to a transaction where the parties involved are amenable to a flexible timeline. It allows for a smoother and less rigid closing process, accommodating the needs and preferences of both the buyer and seller.

Is it common for closing dates to change?

Between signing the purchase agreement and handing over the keys to the new owner, you may experience a change in the closing date. As a buyer, you shouldn't be alarmed if this happens — in fact, it's best to be prepared for it no matter what.

Can I postpone my closing date?

While it is possible to extend the closing date, it must be done with the agreement of all parties involved. The same article notes that the buyer may request an extension for a valid reason, such as a delay in obtaining financing or an issue discovered during the inspection process.

Do people move in the day of closing?

Some sellers will let you move into the home after closing. However, most sellers will have you wait several weeks before moving into your new home. You and the seller will reach an agreement during the closing. Several factors can impact the gap between your closing date and move-in date.

Can you push up a closing date?

More often than not, purchase contracts will state that the sale will close on or before a specific date unless both parties mutually agree to a change, but some contracts don't allow the buyer or seller to change the closing date.

Is filing an extension a red flag?

Many people are misled to believe that there's a direct relationship between tax extensions and tax auditing, or that a tax extension raises a red flag to the IRS. Luckily, that is incorrect. In fact, getting a tax extension can actually reduce your chances of facing an IRS audit.

Is it OK to ask for an extension?

If you need more time to meet a deadline at work, you should inform your supervisor and request an extension. A professional deadline extension request may help you maintain a positive relationship with your supervisor and perform well in your role.

How much extension is allowed?

Detached property extensions do not extend beyond the rear wall of the original home by more than 4m. The extensions roof & ridges must not exceed the height of the original house and the eaves must not exceed 2m in height of the boundary of 3m. Single-storey extensions must not exceed 4m in height.