Why is my closing date dependent on the lender instead of the contract?

Why does my lender control when I close?

Your closing date depends on when the lender completes their approval process, not just the contract timeline. While the purchase contract sets a target closing date, the lender controls the final timeline because they need to finish underwriting, order the appraisal, verify your income and assets, and prepare loan documents.

Lenders typically need 30-45 days to complete their process, but delays can happen if they need additional documentation, the appraisal takes longer than expected, or underwriting finds something that needs clarification. The title company also needs time to prepare closing documents and coordinate with all parties.

You can check your loan progress by asking the lender for updates on key milestones like appraisal completion, underwriting approval, and document preparation. Many lenders provide online portals where you can track these steps. If your closing date needs to move, the lender will typically notify your real estate agent, who can work with the seller's agent to adjust the contract timeline. Stay in touch with your loan officer about any potential delays so you can plan accordingly.