Why do closing dates get pushed back?

Asked by: Dr. Justine Schmitt  |  Last update: April 12, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (53 votes)

If the mortgage lender finds some new financial activity in their final credit review, they may ask for an explanation that pushes back the closing date. Title searches can be one of the most intricate parts of preparing for a closing.

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.

What happens if closing gets pushed back?

When a real estate closing date is postponed, buyers often face unexpected inconveniences and additional expenses. It's reasonable to ask the seller for concessions in exchange for agreeing to a delayed closing. Potential options include: A daily credit.

Why does my closing date keep changing?

Last-minute changes to your closing timeline are not uncommon, and they can be caused by various factors, such as weather, holidays, errors, repairs, or seller's requests. You should be prepared to adjust your schedule and plans accordingly and cooperate with your closing team to overcome any obstacles.

Can a closing date be moved back?

While changing the closing date of a real estate transaction is possible and often necessary, it requires careful coordination and communication between all parties. Understanding the reasons for the delay, acting promptly, and getting agreement in writing are key to a smooth transaction.

Closing Date Pushed BACK! 😬

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Can a seller push back a closing date?

Repairs taking longer than expected: If the sale is contingent on certain repairs being completed, any delays in these can push back the closing date. Personal circumstances: The seller's personal situations, like illness or a change in family circumstances, can unexpectedly delay the process.

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.

Is it common to extend closing date?

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

Can anything go wrong on closing day?

Yes, a mortgage loan can fall through during the closing process, and even on closing day, for a number of reasons. Borrowers who take on additional debt or open new lines of credit during the home buying process can be seen as a risk to lenders.

Why did my closing cost go down?

First, ask your lender for a specific reason why your rate or fees have changed. 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 deal fall through after closing?

Sometimes, deals fall through, even after you and the buyer have a contract in place. While it's relatively rare for a buyer to back out of a deal, it does happen. Here, we'll explain the most common reasons for a buyer to back out, and what you can do if it happens to you.

Who decides the closing date?

Even the best realtor is guessing at the amount of time needed to complete the pre-closing activities, and sometimes the realtor will set these dates to accommodate either the buyer or the seller. But ultimately, the bank determines when the property is ready to close.

Can a buyer sue after closing?

If a buyer discovers hidden defects or unforeseen issues after closing, they may be able to sue the seller for damages. The specific legal options available will depend on the laws of the state where the property is located and the real estate contract terms.

How long between due date and closing date?

Your credit card closing date is the last day of your billing cycle. Your credit card statement generates at the end of your closing date, and the due date is at least 21 days later. If you don't pay your credit card's minimum payment between the closing date and the due date, you may incur a late fee.

How can I speed up my closing date?

How to expedite the mortgage closing process
  1. Use a knowledgeable real estate agent. ...
  2. Respond quickly to lender requests. ...
  3. Be flexible on your closing date and time. ...
  4. Review closing documents beforehand. ...
  5. Have cash ready to close. ...
  6. Preemptively address any credit issues. ...
  7. Maintain consistent employment.

What happens if the buyer doesn't close by closing date?

When you miss a closing date as a buyer, technically you are in breach of contract and the seller could take legal action against you including your being mandated to reimburse them for mortgage, taxes, insurance, or other costs they may have incurred because of the delayed closing.

Can a loan be denied on closing day?

To begin with, yes. Many lenders hire external companies to double-check income, debts, and assets before signing closing documents. If you have significant changes in your credit, income, or funds needed for closing, you may be denied the loan.

Is it common for house closings to be delayed?

Real estate closings don't always run as smoothly as we'd like and there are a myriad of reasons that a closing can be delayed, or worse, cancelled in the final days. As there are many parties involved in a real estate contract, it's understandable that delays may happen.

Who owns the property on the day of closing?

On closing day, the ownership of the property is transferred to you, the buyer. This day consists of transferring funds from escrow, providing mortgage and title fees, and updating the deed of the house to your name.

How do you avoid a delayed closing?

To avoid any financing roadblocks or a delayed closing, ensure that there are no major changes with your financial situation from the time you've submitted your loan application to the day of closing, such as buying a new car. With that said, it's recommended to work with a knowledgeable, local mortgage broker.

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.

Why did my closing date change?

Common complications that can affect closing dates at the eleventh hour include delays with the mortgage loan process, title insurance issues, or inspection problems. Occasionally, unforeseen events such as natural disasters can stall a closing.

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.

What is the best day to do a closing?

Benefits of Early Month Closings

Closing during the first weeks of the month offers certain advantages. For example, if you close on June 5, your first mortgage payment won't be due until August 1, giving you nearly two months before your first payment. Also, try to close on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

What is the average timeline for closing on a house?

On average, closing on a house in California can take anywhere from 30 to 45 days, post-acceptance of an offer. This timeframe is fluid, influenced by the factors mentioned earlier. Each step, from financing approval to inspections, plays a crucial role in the overall timeline.