Short Answer
If your closing is delayed, stay calm and work with your team to resolve the issue. Common causes of delays include financing issues, appraisal problems, title complications, or the seller's new home not closing on time. Your agent, lender, and attorney will work to resolve the issue. You may need to extend your rate lock, update your moving plans, and sign a contract extension. Most delays are temporary and do not kill the deal.
Closing delays are common and usually manageable. The first step is understanding the cause. Your agent or attorney will communicate with the other parties to find out why the delay is happening and how long it is expected to last. Once you know the cause and timeline, you can adjust your plans. If the delay is due to financing, stay in close contact with your lender and provide any additional documents they request. If the delay is due to a title issue, your attorney will work to resolve it. If the seller's new home is delayed, you may need to negotiate a rent-back or extended possession date. If your rate lock is going to expire due to the delay, ask your lender about extending it. Extensions usually cost money, so negotiate who pays for it. If the seller caused the delay, you may ask them to cover the cost. Communicate with your moving company and update your moving timeline. Do not make any non-refundable moving arrangements until you are confident the closing will happen on the new date.
Bob's Advice
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent
Delays happen. I have handled closings that were delayed by a day, a week, or even a month. The most important thing is staying flexible and trusting your team. I will keep you informed every step of the way and advocate for a quick resolution. If you have moving trucks scheduled, let us coordinate the timing so you are not stuck. Most delays work out, and you will be in your new home before you know it.
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