It
is absolutely essential that you include a closing date as part of your
offer. This way both you and the seller can make plans for moving, and
the seller can make plans for buying his or her next home. Though most
transactions actually do close on the right date, do not be so
inflexible that a delay creates insurmountable problems.
For
example, if you are renting and need to give the landlord notice that you
are moving out, you may want to allow a little flexibility. Otherwise, if
your purchase closes a few days late you could find yourself staying in a
motel with your belongings packed in a moving van somewhere while you pay
storage costs.
There are
also times when closing can be delayed by weeks, through no fault of your
own. Have back-up plans prepared for such a contingency.
