Why does my closing date keep changing?

Asked by: Maritza Stehr Sr.  |  Last update: January 6, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (40 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.

Why does my closing date keep getting pushed back?

It's not that unusual for this to happen. Usually, it's because a lender decided at the last second they need some new document from the buyer, or they didn't get the appraisal in time to process. It's not a big deal.

Why does the seller keep pushing the closing date?

When a seller asks to push back the closing date, it often comes down to one of these common scenarios: The house they are buying hasn't closed. Often, sellers are trying to coordinate the sale of their current home with purchasing their next one.

Is it normal for a closing date to be delayed?

While closing delays are uncommon, they can still happen because of unique circumstances. Staying in touch with your mortgage banker and real estate agent can help you prepare for and even avoid any potential delays or hiccups.

Can sellers change their closing date?

Even though a closing date is a contractual obligation, a closing date can be changed if all the parties agree. Or, there may be provisions to change a date if certain circumstances apply.

Bespoke Homes Team: Why Your Closing Date Might Change

41 related questions found

Why would a closing date change?

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.

What can go wrong at closing?

There may be problems with the good faith estimate, or other errors may prevent closing.
  • Termite Inspection Shows Damage. ...
  • The Appraisal Is Too Low. ...
  • There Are Clouds on the Title. ...
  • Home Inspection Shows Defects. ...
  • One Party Gets Cold Feet. ...
  • Your Financing Falls Through. ...
  • The Home Is in a High-Risk Area. ...
  • The Home Isn't Insurable.

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.

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.

Can you get clear to close the day before closing?

You will receive it at least three days before closing. You'll want to review this form carefully, as it includes your loan amount, interest rate, projected monthly payments, and the amount you need to pay in closing costs to finalize the sale. At this point, the sale is cleared to close.

What is the best closing date for a buyer?

Most closing dates are about 30 to 60 days after you've made an offer on the home. This allows time for getting full approval for your mortgage loan, fixing any issues uncovered during the home inspection and making any changes based on your final walk through.

What is the penalty for a seller delay closing?

In many cases, there is no universal or typical specific penalty for a seller missing the closing date. It usually depends on what's outlined in the purchase agreement. This can range from withholding funds held in escrow to facing legal action for specific performance or damages.

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 closing dates move up?

Of course, delays aren't the only timeline shift that can happen. Some buyers or sellers may want to move up the closing date to accommodate their moving logistics or just to speed up the process. While a push forward can be inconvenient, it may give the seller some much needed peace of mind that the sale will close.

How often do buyers back out at closing?

3.9% of real estate sales fail after the contract is signed.

There's nothing more frustrating than having a buyer back out at the last second. Even if you're lucky and the house sells quickly and above the asking price after a heated bidding war, many things can go wrong that cause a deal to fall through.

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.

Can a mortgage fall through on closing day?

Can a loan fall through on closing day? Unless you're a cash buyer, closing on a house can fall through on closing day due to mortgage loan issues.

Can a seller change its closing date?

From the time the contract is accepted, the closing process will generally take around 60 days. 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.

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.

How long can a buyer sue a seller after closing?

Depending on the laws of your state, you may have up to 3 years to seek legal action if the sellers KNOWINGLY hid or lied about issues in their disclosure. If a property is sold “as is” or purchased through an auction, then it is up to the buyer to do their due diligence and pay for any inspections that they choose.

Who sets the closing date, buyer or seller?

Closing date is negotiated between the two parties (seller and buyer); usual tends to be between 30-45 days, can be different.

Can your loan be denied after closing?

Clear-to-close buyers aren't usually denied after their loan is approved and they've signed the Closing Disclosure. But there are circumstances when a lender may decline an applicant at this stage. These rejections are usually caused by drastic changes to your financial situation.

What happens the week before closing on a house?

1 week out: Gather and prepare all the documentation, paperwork, and funds you'll need for your loan closing. You'll need to bring the funds to cover your down payment, closing costs and escrow items, typically in the form of a certified/cashier's check or a wire transfer.

Can a closing be reversed?

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.