Seller postponed closing last minute. What concessions can I get?

[Brian Barfoot]

Hi all,

      I have a house that already had a delay in closing because the seller needed time to move out. Now this morning I get an e-mail saying that with 44 hours to go they don't have their paperwork together and can't close on the intended date. I had a contractor set up for that afternoon and a prospective tenant scheduled for the next day. Now I've had to put the contractor on hold and the tenant says that he can't wait and is going to take a different apartment. Does anyone have experience with this? What concessions should I try for since the lack of competence on the seller's end has cost me time and money?

[Jason Hirko]

Since the seller is still willing to perform, I don't think you have much recourse. However, if you wanted to play hardball with the seller, you might consider telling the seller that you won't agree to extend the contract unless he gives you X, Y, or Z, but that would assume you're willing to walk, and he's very motivated.