Lender delaying escrow closing - what should I do?

real estatemortgagehome buying

Borislav_W

Joined:
15.12.2020
Posts: 1546

Topic Starter

01.01.2025 04:52

I am currently three days past my original closing date and the lender is still saying they are waiting on final underwriting approval. My rate lock is set to expire at the end of the week, and I am terrified that I might lose it if they don't move faster. I have already scheduled my movers and given notice on my current apartment, so this delay is becoming a major problem. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of stall tactic, and is there any way to put pressure on them to finalize things? Any advice on how to handle this with the seller's agent would be greatly appreciated.

17 replies in this topic

Kras_T

Joined:
15.12.2023
Posts: 129

01.01.2025 11:44

First thing: call your loan officer immediately and ask for a direct escalation to their manager. Don't just email, get someone on the phone.

nabludatel_x

Joined:
03.08.2023
Posts: 1009

16.01.2025 05:10

In reply to a previous post

I went through this last year. My lender kept 'waiting on underwriting' until I threatened to walk. Suddenly, it cleared the next day.

Znaesht

Joined:
18.05.2024
Posts: 1332

10.02.2025 12:59

In reply to a previous post

Have you spoken to your real estate agent yet? They need to be the ones communicating with the seller's agent to buy you more time.

Oli_S

Joined:
07.11.2023
Posts: 617

12.03.2025 22:15

This is so stressful, I’m sorry you’re going through this. Hang in there.

nov_tuk

Joined:
04.06.2022
Posts: 218

29.04.2025 06:30

In reply to a previous post

Make sure you get an extension on your rate lock in writing if they can't close by Friday. Don't let them just 'promise' it won't expire.

Oskar_Z

Joined:
19.09.2023
Posts: 1029

25.07.2025 16:53

In reply to a previous post

Honestly, the seller's agent is probably annoyed, but if you have a good agent, they can explain it's a lender issue and not your fault.

Yulia_M

Joined:
28.01.2023
Posts: 2300

01.08.2025 01:50

Is it a big bank or a local mortgage broker? Local brokers are usually much more responsive to these kinds of delays.

misho_777

Joined:
07.10.2024
Posts: 1809

21.08.2025 00:37

I’m in the same boat, three days late and counting. My loan officer is ghosting me. It's infuriating.

Kevi_M

Joined:
14.06.2022
Posts: 2260

16.09.2025 08:57

In reply to a previous post

Same here, the 'underwriting black hole' is real. Sending good vibes your way.

Sofiya_G

Joined:
27.03.2023
Posts: 256

28.09.2025 18:20

In reply to a previous post

Do not wait until the last minute. Tell your loan officer today that you need a status update by EOD or you'll be forced to contact their corporate office.

Selekcioner

Joined:
28.10.2024
Posts: 2460

04.10.2025 22:29

In reply to a previous post

My advice: ask for a daily update. Don't let them go silent on you for even 24 hours.

Niko_N

Joined:
04.06.2022
Posts: 430

11.11.2025 20:49

Does your contract have a 'time is of the essence' clause? Check your purchase agreement carefully.

Hubo_K

Joined:
02.09.2020
Posts: 1310

14.01.2026 12:22

In reply to a previous post

I had to pay for a rate lock extension once. It was painful but better than losing the house. Check if your lender will cover the cost since it's their delay.

Alan_K

Joined:
18.11.2023
Posts: 2420

09.02.2026 13:41

In reply to a previous post

Try to keep the seller's agent in the loop. If they know you're fighting for this, they might be more patient.

Timo_G

Joined:
27.09.2021
Posts: 531

23.02.2026 02:25

This is exactly why I hate big banks for mortgages. They treat you like a number.

kamilo

Joined:
09.03.2025
Posts: 925

16.03.2026 19:47

In reply to a previous post

Don't let them push you around. You are the customer here, even if it feels like they hold all the cards.

Kaya_J

Joined:
01.06.2022
Posts: 1630

13.04.2026 03:26

In reply to a previous post

Fingers crossed you get the clear-to-close by tomorrow morning. Keep us updated!

Lender delaying escrow closing - what should I do?

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