10 Common Issues That Could Delay a Real Estate Closing
You’ve found the perfect home, made an offer, and it’s been accepted. Now comes the final stretch: closing. While it may seem like smooth sailing from here, the reality is that several issues could delay a real estate closing—sometimes by days, weeks, or even longer. 
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, understanding what can go wrong before closing can help you avoid costly setbacks. Below, we break down the 10 most common issues that delay real estate closings—and how to prevent them.
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Financing Problems
One of the top causes of closing delays is financing. Even with pre-approval, buyers can still run into last-minute issues like:
- Changes in employment
- New debt or credit issues
- Low appraisal results
Pro tip: Buyers should avoid large purchases (like cars or furniture) and maintain job stability throughout the home-buying process.
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Low Home Appraisal
Lenders require a home appraisal to ensure the property is worth the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, the buyer may need to:
- Renegotiate the price
- Pay the difference out of pocket
- Walk away (if there’s an appraisal contingency)
This can easily stall or derail the closing.
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Title Issues
Title problems can surface unexpectedly, including:
- Unpaid taxes or liens
- Unknown heirs
- Clerical errors
- Disputes over property boundaries
Title companies conduct a search to uncover and resolve these issues, but they can delay closing if not resolved promptly.
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Home Inspection Problems
A bad home inspection can trigger renegotiations or major repairs. Common red flags include:
- Foundation problems
- Roof damage
- Mold or pest infestations
- Plumbing or electrical issues
Negotiating who pays for the repairs can delay the timeline—or lead to the deal falling apart altogether.
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Delays in Document Preparation
Real estate closings involve a mountain of paperwork. Delays often happen due to:
- Errors in the purchase agreement
- Incomplete mortgage documents
- Slow processing by lenders or attorneys
Make sure all parties are organized and responsive to avoid unnecessary delays.
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Issues With the Buyer’s or Seller’s Schedule
Surprisingly, scheduling conflicts can also cause closing delays. If either party is unavailable due to travel, work, or other commitments, closing may need to be pushed back.
Solution: Set a closing date that works for everyone—and confirm well in advance.
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Final Walkthrough Problems
Buyers typically do a final walkthrough 24–48 hours before closing. If they find:
- Unrepaired items from the inspection
- New damage
- Missing appliances or fixtures
—they may refuse to close until the issues are addressed, causing delays.
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Unrealistic Closing Timelines
Trying to close too quickly can backfire. Coordinating appraisals, inspections, loan approvals, and paperwork takes time. Rushing the process increases the risk of missing deadlines or critical documents.
Aim for a realistic 30–45 day closing period, unless you’re dealing with cash or pre-approved financing.
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HOA or Condo Approval Delays
If the property is part of a homeowners association or condo board, their approval or documentation process can slow things down. Required documents like financial disclosures, meeting minutes, and fee information must be reviewed.
Some associations move quickly—others don’t. Plan accordingly.
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Wire Transfer or Funding Delays
Even on closing day, problems can pop up. Delays in wire transfers, down payments, or final loan disbursements can cause a last-minute stall.
Ensure all funds are scheduled and confirmed at least a day before the closing to avoid same-day stress.
Final Thoughts: How to Prevent Closing Delays
While some delays are unavoidable, most can be prevented with good communication and preparation. Here’s how to keep your closing on track:
- Work with an experienced real estate agent
- Choose a responsive lender and title company
- Keep documents organized and ready
- Avoid major financial changes
- Communicate openly with all parties involved
Understanding the common issues that could delay a real estate closing gives you the power to stay ahead of problems—and get to the finish line faster.
Need help navigating your next real estate transaction? Reach out today for expert guidance and a smoother, stress-free closing experience.
Check out our FREE BUYERS GUIDE for helpful tips and to learn about the process front to back, including the do’s and do nots!
📩 Reach out for a no-obligation consultation today!
860-864-0209
chrismaynard@billheenan.net
chrismaynardrealestate.com
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