NWR - Setting a closing date on the purchase of a home

Hi ladies - for those of you who have purchased a home or any real estate attorneys out there, I need some help.

We put a bid on a house that was accepted and the real estate agent told us that the seller was ready to move. when we got the contract, they set the closing date for October!!! now we can't lock in an interest rate until at least late August and I'm afraid rates will go up.

Is there any way to force the seller to close sooner? Can they just push it out that long?

TIA for your suggestions.

Re: NWR - Setting a closing date on the purchase of a home

The short answer is not really......did u sign that contract?? We went through a similar experience in our purchase and the thing you need to look for in your contract is after you close how long they are able to remain in the house w/o paying you and if after that date how much they will pay you per day.....our lawyer didn't let us know ours was FIFTEEN days!!! and after waiting 5 months another 15 days was agonizing.
My advice to you is it usually takes longer than they say and its sooo difficult to coordinate a closing that it usually ends up drawn out....so make whatever living arrangements you need to anticipating not being there until at least october...FM if you have any questions I may be able to answer from our experience, but the best thing is always talk to your attorney!!!