If you’re a seller in Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground or anywhere in Clark County, here’s what to do when your buyer asks for more time to close. In Part 1 we looked at why buyers request extensions; now we’ll focus on how you as the seller can respond smartly, protect your interests, and even turn the delay into a win.

The impact of closing delays on the seller

That said, there can be real financial and personal ramifications when you agree to extend the closing date. As the average seller, here are the most common ways you can be affected:

• Additional mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and utilities

• Extra funds are going into home maintenance

• Rescheduling movers and extra storage fees

• Stress and uncertainty

• Risk of more delays after the first request

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Step-by-Step Response When the Buyer Requests a Closing Extension

When the buyer wants to extend the closing date, your trusted and knowledgeable real estate agent will help you work through several options. As the seller, you can either allow it, negotiate new terms, or demand the original deadline, depending on your priorities.

Accept the extension as is

Accept only if the buyer gives something in return

Decline the extension and hold the buyer to the original contract

The key is to negotiate terms that protect you if the added time causes extra cost or risk. Articles on this topic emphasize your ability to ask for a “per diem” fee (extra payment for each day of delay) or other concessions. 

Propose protective terms

Here are some terms worth including if you agree to an extension:

1.A written addendum that clearly states the new closing date, and details of any compensation for the delay.

• A per-day fee for additional days you hold the home, pay utilities, or postpone your move.

• An expansion of the buyer’s earnest money to show stronger commitment.

• A “time is of the essence” clause if you want firm accountability. 

2. Clear schedule for the buyer’s lender, title, inspection conditions to meet by certain dates.

• Adjust your own planning

• Since you’re now facing a later closing, you’ll want to make adjustments:

• Reschedule your movers, service providers, utility turn-offs / turn-ons.

3.Budget for extra costs: another mortgage payment, extra utilities, maybe a storage unit.

4.Communicate with your next-home purchase if you have one: any delay with this sale may impact your new home closing.

Pro tip: talk with your listing agent early so you’re not caught off-guard.

Consider the fallback: walk away if the terms aren’t acceptable

1. If the buyer’s reason seems weak, or they request an unreasonable extension without giving you protection, you may choose to enforce the original date. In many contracts you can keep the earnest money or terminate if they fail to close. 

2. Just Ask A Lawyer

But remember: relisting in today’s market can cost you time and money. Weigh the risk vs cost.

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Bottom line

Local Market Considerations for Vancouver/Clark County Sellers

With moving trucks in this market (Vancouver–Camas area) booking fast, delaying may push your move into high-demand windows—so locking terms early is smart.

Utility turn-offs/turn-ons in Clark County often require 3-5 business days; adding those into your move schedule gives flexibility.

If you’re selling and buying near the same time (common in our market), a delay here may ripple into your purchase — coordinate with your agent and lender (link to Bill’s coming soon blog “Buying While Selling: Timing Tips for WA Buyers & Sellers”).

Related Seller Resources (Link Back to Bill’s Mortgage Blog)

“Why Closings Get Delayed in Financing” — Link

“How to Navigate Appraisal Issues in WA & OR” — Bill Black Mortgage Blog

“Selling & Buying Simultaneously: Timing Strategies” — Bill Black Mortgage Blog

These posts dive deeper into the financing side of what causes closing delays — valuable background for you as a seller to understand the buyer’s position.