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Common Real Estate Closing Delays
and How to Avoid Them

You’ve negotiated the contract, secured financing, and planned your move or next investment. Then, just days before closing, you learn that a title issue remains unresolved, a required document is missing, or a lender is waiting on additional information. Suddenly, what should have been an exciting milestone becomes a frustrating delay—with the potential for additional costs, scheduling complications, and uncertainty about when the transaction will be completed.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, purchasing commercial property, or financing a real estate investment, closing delays can disrupt your plans and create avoidable expenses. Although some issues are outside your control, many can be prevented through early preparation, careful document review, and clear communication among the parties involved.

Understanding the most common causes of real estate closing delays—and knowing how to address them before they become problems—can help you protect your interests and keep your transaction moving toward the closing table.

A Checklist for Buyers and Sellers

Use this checklist to identify potential closing obstacles and address them before they delay your transaction.

POTENTIAL CLOSING DELAY	WHAT TO CHECK AND HOW TO AVOID IT
☐ Title issues and liens	☐ Review the title commitment early. ☐ Obtain mortgage payoff statements and resolve outstanding liens. ☐ Address title objections and confirm requirements with the title company.
☐ Survey and boundary issues	☐ Order and review the survey promptly. ☐ Identify encroachments, boundary discrepancies, and easement issues. ☐ Obtain any required agreements or title company approvals.
☐ Missing or incomplete documents	☐ Prepare a closing checklist. ☐ Confirm deeds, affidavits, entity documents, and other required deliverables are complete. ☐ Verify signature, notarization, and recording requirements.
☐ Financing and lender conditions	☐ Request a list of outstanding lender requirements. ☐ Submit financial, insurance, appraisal, and entity documents promptly. ☐ Confirm that all conditions to closing have been satisfied.
☐ HOA or condominium association requirements	☐ Request required association documents and assessment statements early. ☐ Confirm outstanding balances and transfer requirements. ☐ Resolve questions about common elements, maintenance responsibilities, or association approvals.
☐ Municipal inspections, permits, or violations	☐ Determine which inspections and approvals are required. ☐ Identify open permits or code violations. ☐ Schedule inspections early and allow time for corrections and reinspections.
☐ Attorney review and contract deadlines	☐ Calendar all contractual deadlines. ☐ Submit the contract for attorney review promptly. ☐ Address inspection requests, title objections, and contingencies on time. ☐ Document agreed extensions appropriately.
☐ Last-minute changes and communication gaps	☐ Confirm the closing date, time, and location. ☐ Circulate updated closing documents and settlement statements. ☐ Confirm each party’s outstanding responsibilities. ☐ Verify that all required funds and documents will be available.

How Boodell & Domanskis, LLC Can Help

Real estate transactions require careful coordination, attention to contractual obligations, and timely resolution of issues that may arise before closing. Whether you are purchasing or selling a home, acquiring commercial property, or financing a real estate investment, early legal guidance can help you identify potential obstacles and reduce the risk of unnecessary delays.

Boodell & Domanskis advises clients throughout Illinois on real estate transactions, contract review, title and survey issues, closing documentation, and related legal matters.

If you are preparing for a real estate transaction, whether commercial or residential, contact us to discuss your transaction and available options.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each real estate transaction is subject to its own contractual terms, property-specific circumstances, and applicable legal requirements.