How do I handle buyers who want a quick close?
Want a lightning-fast close and top dollar? Here’s the exact playbook for buyers who want to close quickly.
Why quick-close buyers are different in Georgetown
Buyers asking for a quick close are not rare in Georgetown — they can be investors, buyers with job transfers, or cash purchasers who want control fast. Handling them right lets you sell fast, reduce days on market, and still get top dollar.
I’m Tony Sousa, a local Realtor in Georgetown and Halton Hills. I handle quick-closing offers every month. I’ll show you a practical, no-fluff plan to protect your price, control terms, and close on your timeline.
The real risk with quick-close buyers
Quick closes often mean tight timelines. That increases risk: missed financing, incomplete inspections, transfer hiccups with lawyers, and title issues. But every risk is manageable with clear rules and the right team.
Get this right and you convert urgency into leverage. You sell faster and keep competition to drive the price up.
Step-by-step blueprint to handle quick-close offers
- Pre-qualify the buyer immediately
- Ask for proof of funds for cash buyers.
- Ask for lender contact and a full pre-approval for financed buyers, not pre-qualification letters.
- Require a buyer lawyer’s contact and a closing funds timeline.
If the buyer can’t produce this fast, treat the offer as weaker — and counter accordingly.
- Set an intelligent deposit
- A larger deposit shortens buyer hesitation and shows commitment. In Georgetown, a minimum of 5% for quick closes is reasonable—cash deals can be higher.
- Make the deposit payable within 24–48 hours of acceptance and held in trust.
- Shorten conditions — but protect yourself
- Short condition periods work. Propose a 3–5 business day finance/inspection period for serious buyers.
- For inspections, require the buyer to schedule within 48 hours and provide the report within the conditional period.
- Include an irrevocable clause for offers: give the buyer a strict deadline to sign and deliver funds.
- Use clear contract language
- State the closing date and time. Say everything closes “at 10:00 a.m. on closing day” to avoid confusion.
- Add a clause requiring confirmation of mortgage funding by the buyer’s lender at least 48 hours before closing.
- Include a provision that the buyer’s failure to deliver clear funds or lender confirmation converts the sale to “as-is” or allows renegotiation of timeline and compensation.
- Push for a firm closing when possible
- A firm closing (no conditions) is the strongest position. If a buyer offers firm terms, you can accept competitive pricing or use the offer to solicit back-up bids.
- If the buyer wants a quick close but keeps conditions, extract stricter timelines and higher deposits.
- Coordinate with lawyers early
- Tell your lawyer the closing is accelerated. Ask them to set aside time and be ready for last-minute calls.
- Ensure title search and payout figures can be produced fast.
- Prepare the home in advance
- Complete repairs, bring the property to move-in ready, and provide receipts for any work.
- Supply digital copies of warranties, utility bills, and recent taxes to the buyer’s lawyer and lender. This reduces surprises and speeds lending approval.
- Offer flexible closing options that reduce buyer friction
- Consider short-term rent-backs if the buyer needs time or you need to vacate.
- Offer to coordinate with movers and utilities for a smooth handover.
- If you need time to move, negotiate a capped occupancy fee rather than blocking the deal.
- Keep communication tight
- One weekly status email for regular sales. For quick closes, call daily and text confirmations of lender status, deposit received, and lawyer notes.
- Document every step in writing. Verbal promises don’t help at closing.
Negotiation moves that protect your price
- Use competing offers: Don’t accept a low quick-close offer if you can create urgency. Tell the buyer you have multiple interested parties and request better terms.
- Counter with conditions that benefit you: ask for a larger deposit, shorter conditional periods, or a higher price.
- Offer escalation clauses: allow the buyer to escalate up to a cap if there are competing offers. This preserves a fast close while maximizing sales price.
Typical timelines and realistic expectations in Georgetown
- Cash buyers: 3–7 business days to close if lawyers and title are clear.
- Pre-approved mortgage buyers: 10–21 days, depending on lender speed.
- Buyers with firm mortgage commitments: often 7–14 days if lender verification is fast and appraisals are scheduled quickly.
Local note: many lenders in Halton Hills and nearby banks will prioritize short closings for borrowers with strong credit and clear property documentation. If your buyer is local and working with a nearby lender, closings often hit the lower end of the timeframe.
When to walk away from a quick-close offer
- Buyer can’t produce proof of funds or lender contact.
- Deposit is unreasonably small for the quick timeline.
- Buyer refuses reasonable contract clauses that protect you (deposit timelines, confirmation of funds, lawyer details).
Walking away is smart if risk outweighs reward. A solid backup offer can often arrive if you stall for 24–48 hours.
Case study: fast-close, full-price sale in Georgetown
A three-bedroom detached in central Georgetown received two offers: one low with a normal closing, another full price with a 7-day close and a 6% deposit. We accepted the quick-close offer but required lender contact and an inspection window of 48 hours. The buyer’s lawyer confirmed funds and lender approval 72 hours after. Closing happened on day seven. No surprises. Seller moved on their schedule and kept full price.
Why it worked:
- Higher deposit signaled commitment.
- Tight conditional periods forced rapid action.
- Early lawyer involvement removed title surprises.
Local tips for sellers in Georgetown, ON
- Staging matters: In a market where buyers want speed, a move-in-ready home reduces inspection red flags and lender hesitation.
- Use local comparables: Buyers and lenders in Georgetown rely on nearby sales in Halton Hills and Acton. Provide recent comps to speed appraisals.
- Work with local lenders: Local mortgage brokers and banks know the market and can accelerate approvals.
- Know municipal timelines: If your property has any outstanding permits or variances, get them cleared before listing.
Your checklist before accepting a quick-close offer
- Proof of funds or full mortgage pre-approval provided.
- Buyer lawyer and lender contacts obtained.
- Deposit amount and timing confirmed.
- Inspection and finance condition periods set and short.
- Closing date and time specified in the contract.
- Your lawyer prepped and available.
- All property documents and receipts organized and shared.
Simple scripts to use with buyers or agents
- “We’ll accept a quick closing with a 5% deposit and 3 business day conditional period. Please send lender contact and proof of funds within 24 hours.”
- “To hold this closing date we need lender confirmation 48 hours prior and deposit cleared in trust.”
Use direct language. It sets expectations and prevents delays.
Conclusion: convert urgency into advantage
Quick-close buyers can be a seller’s best ally when approached with control. Demand proof. Set strict timelines. Insist on deposit. Involve lawyers early. Prepare your home and documents. If you handle the process the right way, you’ll leave with cash, a closed file, and no stress.
If you’re selling in Georgetown and want a fast, secure sale that maximizes your price, contact me. I’ll pre-qualify offers, set the terms that protect you, and coordinate the closing so you move on your timeline.
Tony Sousa
Local Realtor — Georgetown & Halton Hills
tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Quick closings and selling in Georgetown
Q: What counts as a “quick close”?
A: A quick close is typically 3–14 business days. Cash deals are fastest (3–7 days). Mortgages usually need 7–21 days depending on lender speed.
Q: Should I accept a quick-close offer with conditions?
A: Only with strict short conditional periods (3–5 business days) and a higher deposit. Otherwise push for firm terms or back-up offers.
Q: How large should the deposit be for a fast close?
A: For quick closes, aim for 5% minimum. Cash buyers can put more. Larger deposits reduce risk and speed the process.
Q: What if the buyer can’t get mortgage funding in time?
A: Require lender confirmation 48 hours before closing. If funding fails, contracts often allow for renegotiation or termination based on terms. Protect yourself with deposit and date clauses.
Q: Does a pre-inspection help?
A: Yes. A pre-inspection reduces buyer concerns and speeds lender decisions. Share the report with buyers and lenders.
Q: What if I need time after closing to move?
A: Negotiate a short rent-back or occupancy agreement with capped fees. This keeps the deal intact while letting you move on your timeline.
Q: Are cash buyers always better?
A: Cash reduces risk and time. But some cash buyers expect discounts. Evaluate price vs speed.
Q: How do I verify a buyer’s proof of funds?
A: Ask for a bank letter or statement showing funds. Verify contact details and confirm with the buyer’s lawyer.
Q: Can I use an escalation clause with a quick close?
A: Yes. An escalation clause can keep the buyer competitive while allowing them to close fast. Set a cap and clear terms.
Q: How do I find the right agent in Georgetown for a fast sale?
A: Pick an agent who knows local lenders, has strong lawyer contacts in Halton Hills, and a track record of short turnarounds. Local market experience matters.
Contact me to discuss your property and get a rapid, well-managed sale: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620
