May 27, 2013

How Often Do House Buyers Pull Out of a Closing?

There are several reasons that house buyers pull out of a closing. The first is that they may have a problem with securing financing for the purchase. Even though the buyer does have a mortgage in principle, he or she may be unable to complete the sale because he or she cannot secure the financing. Another common reason is that the buyer may change their mind after some time.

A survey by the NAR indicates that about 25 percent of deals that end up in a canceled deal result from problems revealed during the home inspection. However, in a highly competitive real estate market, buyers are much less likely to back out for this reason. For this reason, many buyers waive the inspection contingency.

When a home buyer decides to pull out of a home sale, he or she should explain why he or she is backing out. Sometimes, a letter to the seller explaining why a sale has fallen through will help the buyer regain the seller’s goodwill. Sometimes, the buyer may have to proceed to mediation or even court proceedings to secure the sale of their property. Also read

Another reason why home buyers pull out of a deal is because they find out after closing documents reveal significant problems. For example, they discover that the property has a broken foundation. A broken foundation is an expensive problem to fix. Other defects can include water damaged flooring around bathtubs. Termite damage and plumbing leaks are also common. Some homes have electrical issues, and some even have a leaky roof. If you discover a problem before the closing, you may be able to fix it or credit the buyer for the repairs.

Another common reason for a home buyer to back out is a sudden change in their financial situation. This may lead to a higher interest rate or a higher monthly payment. A buyer may also experience an unexpected job change or an unexpected illness. Even if they have found their new home, they may still opt to walk away.

Another reason why house buyers pull out is because of contract contingencies. Most real estate contracts contain clauses that state that a buyer may back out of the deal if certain conditions are not met. This is usually the case if the buyer had put earnest money in the real estate contract. This money is often lost when the buyer decides to cancel the home purchase. The contingency is very important and will protect both parties. Also read

The National Association of REALTORS reported that 5% of real estate contracts are terminated before closing. If you’re thinking about buying a house, it may be a good idea to consider getting an escrow account for the money that you’ll be paying for it. In some cases, the buyer may even lose their earnest money, which is a sign of good faith.