Question about closing on a real estate purchase. Can they choose an unreasonable closing location?

Question

We are closing on a condo this week (Chicago). I was informed via fax by our attorney that we will be closing at a title office 30 miles outside the city! The title company has an office downtown that is only blocks from work, so we thought that's where the closing would take place. The property is also located in the city and the train is out primary mode of transportation. Can they require us to close out in the suburbs? That's a hefty cab fare and my husband only has two and a half hours off work for the closing!

Answer 1

The only place I've ever had a real estate closing is at my attorney's office (and I have had many in many different cities/states).  The seller's don't have to be present and can pre-sign everything.  Your attorney dictated the place for your closing.  Tell him you want it someplace else, but be prepared to pay for him to travel...

good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, they can. But you don't have to accept it. Tell them that the location is an imposition and you prefer to conduct the settlement closer to where you work. Point out that they have an office very conveniently located to where your husband works. Ask them to change the location.

If they refuse, you have two choices:  Make arrangements for your husband to take more time off work that expected and head for the suburban office, or quit the RE deal.

Answer 3

They choose the location, but you can dispute.

I did that, but I wound up having to go to a place near the seller's work and drive through an hour of traffic to get there.  

If you're buying a condo in Chicago odds are it's not cheap, so they probably figure you have an extra $50 or so to throw around to get there.

Answer 4

If the seller wants to sell, they will get the broker or banker to move the location.  If you can't get there you can't get there.  In the current market I think the seller will get them to move it.  If you don't sign they still own.