How to request the builder to postpone Closing date?

[Anand Narayanan]

Hello BPers -

Hoping someone can help me here. I am in the process of buying a TH from Ashton Woods in the Triangle Area of NC. The construction has been delayed by almost 3 months and is currently expected to close end of September. In the meantime, I had to urgently travel internationally and expected to be out of pocket for a month or so. I tried requesting the sales agent to help with the situation but get the feeling that neither the request has been considered nor represented for potential management support. I was told there is a 'process' but no visibility to the process and actions are taken thus far.

Can someone suggest if there is a way to successfully get the closing date moved by few weeks? All I am asking them is for a 2-week delay only ending up getting a penalty clause pointed at me ($500/day for any delay in closing). I understand the builders have an upper hand but seem the buyer is at the whims of the builders without any recourse.

Sincerely appreciate your expert advice.