Theriz Journal

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Common Delays When Buying A Home

You may be eager to start living in your new property, to start making it your own with the luxury enhancements that can really up its appeal, but before you do that, the purchasing process needs to go through. Usually, this is smooth, but sometimes, that isn’t quite the case. There are some delays that are unfortunately common in the property world. Here, we’re going to look at a few and what you can do about them.


Dealing with Competing Offers

Competing offers are a common hurdle in the home-buying process, and managing them effectively is key to avoiding delays. When a property is in high demand, multiple buyers may submit offers, leading to a bidding war. To avoid getting stuck in a drawn-out negotiation, it's crucial to present a strong, competitive offer from the start. This means offering a fair price based on market value and being ready to act quickly.

Not Having Your Finances at the Ready

A common cause of delays in the home-buying process is not having your finances in order. Before making an offer on a home, it’s essential to have your financing pre-approved. Pre-approval not only gives you a clear understanding of how much you can afford but also demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer. Without pre-approval, you might face delays while waiting for loan approval, which could cause you to miss out on a property or lead to complications during the purchase process. Additionally, ensure that you have all necessary financial documents, such as proof of income, tax returns, and bank statements, readily available.

Not Having the Lawyers Involved

Involving lawyers early in the home-buying process is crucial, especially when it comes to the transfer of the deed. The deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer, and any issues with the deed can cause significant delays. By engaging a lawyer as soon as you begin the buying process, you can ensure that all legal aspects, including the deed transfer, are handled efficiently and correctly. Lawyers can also conduct a title search to confirm that there are no outstanding liens or claims on the property, which could otherwise cause complications or delays.

A Building Survey Reveals Issues

A building survey is an essential step in the home-buying process, but it can also be a source of delays if significant issues are uncovered. A thorough survey will identify any structural problems, defects, or necessary repairs that might not be immediately apparent. If the survey reveals major issues, you may need to negotiate with the seller to either reduce the purchase price or request that the repairs be made before closing. This negotiation can take time, especially if the seller is unwilling to make concessions. To minimize delays, it’s important to schedule the survey as early as possible in the process. Additionally, be prepared for potential issues by setting aside time and budget to address any repairs or renegotiations that might be necessary.


You can’t prevent every potential delay in the homebuying process, but you can at least speed things up as much as possible on your end to prevent additional friction.