In the world of motivated seller deals, speed kills or saves.

That’s not a metaphor. Every day that passes between verbal agreement and signed contract, or between signed contract and closing table, is a day where:

• The seller backs out

• The buyer gets cold feet

• A better offer appears

• A title issue drags on

• Everyone loses interest

Speed isn't just a preference. It’s leverage. It’s certainty. It’s your reputation.

But how can you tell, before you lock it up, whether a buyer will actually close fast?

Let’s break it down.

Why Closing Fast Matters (More Than You Think)

Fast closings aren’t about getting paid quicker (although that’s nice). They’re about:

• Keeping sellers from changing their mind

• Avoiding outside interference from agents, family, or competitors

• Preserving the sense of urgency that got the deal signed in the first place

• Protecting your relationship with title, JV partners, or your reputation as a wholesaler

And most of all: your best deals are often the ones with the most friction, and friction can kill the deal unless the buyer moves.

The Myth of the “Ready” Buyer

Just because a buyer says they can close fast doesn’t mean they will.

You’ve probably heard this before:

“We can close in 3 days, just send me the paperwork.”
“We’ve got cash, no need for lenders or appraisals.”
“We’ve done 50+ deals. This is nothing.”

Then a week later:

• They're waiting on a partner

• Their funds are “in a transfer”

• Title hasn’t heard from them

• You’re chasing updates with no answers

So how do you separate the closers from the posers?

The #1 Signal of a Fast Closer: They Engage Title Immediately

Real buyers don’t just say “send me the contract.”
They say:

“Loop in title.”
“Can we use XYZ Title Company?”
“Have you opened escrow?”
“What’s the closing agent’s email?”

Why this matters:
It shows they’re process-driven. Fast closers move the file forward, not just the conversation.

Tire-kickers or slow-movers hesitate. They’ll delay getting earnest money in. They’ll ignore emails from title. They’ll say they’re “reviewing docs” for days.

Behavior-Based Clues to Look For

1. They have a preferred title rep, and they’ll CC them

Serious buyers have relationships with title companies because they close often. If they:

• CC their rep

• Introduce you to someone directly

• Offer to open escrow themselves

That’s a power signal.

2. They’re already running the numbers

Fast closers don’t need two days to comp. They’ve got tools. They’ve got a buy box. They ask focused questions like:

• “Any liens or back taxes?”

• “Seller signing in person or remote?”

• “Any expected delays on your side?”

These aren’t looky-loo questions. These are closer questions.

3. They ask about paperwork timing

They’ll ask:

“When do you need the contract signed by?”
“Should I send proof of funds now or after signature?”
“Can we get title the earnest money today?”

They are thinking like a dealmaker, not a browser.

4. They’re comfortable moving without a full inspection

Fast closers, especially experienced flippers, don’t need to walk the house three times or bring a contractor to measure the bathroom.

They:

• Ask for current photos

• Confirm big-ticket issues

• Show up for a single walkthrough or skip it entirely if the numbers work

5. They mention timeline constraints (and stick to them)

Real buyers will say things like:

• “I’ve got a 1031 deadline, need to close before the 15th.”

• “My crew is free next week, so I’d like to have this closed by Tuesday.”

• “Let’s double check title can close in 7 days before I lock it.”

Key detail: They don’t just say this, they take action to make it happen.

Red Flags: When “Fast Close” Is Just Lip Service

Not every buyer who says they’ll close fast actually can. These are the biggest signs they’re bluffing:

1. They delay submitting proof of funds

“Let me grab that later.”
“My banker’s out of office.”
“I’ll send you something tomorrow.”

A buyer who can close fast has funds ready. This delay is a stall tactic, nothing more.

2. They want to “run it by the partner” after the contract

This means they’re not the decision-maker. And that’s a problem.

Fast closers either are the decision-maker or get approval before signing.

3. They ask for “flexibility” on timelines upfront

“I’m usually good to close quick, but just in case…”
“Is there a penalty if we go past 2 weeks?”

They’re already planning for the delay.

4. Their EMD is too low, or delayed

A buyer who wants to close fast will:

• Send earnest money within 24 hours

• Offer a serious amount (e.g., $3K–$5K+)

• Wire it without you reminding them

If they’re haggling over $500 or ghosting title after 3 days, they’re not closing fast.

5. They ghost title or stop replying after contract

This is the death knell. The deal is dead unless you revive it yourself.

The Questions You Should Ask Upfront

You can prevent 80% of wasted time just by asking the right questions before you sign anything over.

Ask These 7:

1. “How soon can you submit earnest money after contract?”

2. “Do you have a title company you prefer to use?”

3. “Can you close with our title partner if needed?”

4. “What’s your typical close timeline?”

5. “Who signs the documents, just you, or a partner as well?”

6. “Will you be doing a walkthrough before committing?”

7. “Can you show POF or prior HUDs from recent deals?”

Each of these exposes the buyer’s real process.
And real processes = real closers.

What to Do if You Need a Fast Close

Sometimes the seller’s timeline is tight, and you need speed above all else.

Here’s what to do:

1. Pre-select “speed-ready” buyers

Use your CRM to tag:

• Buyers who’ve closed in 7 days or less

• Buyers with prior cash deals (verified by HUDs)

• Buyers who’ve proactively followed up before

Only send the deal to this list.

2. Add urgency to the blast

Example script:

“Off-market 3/1 in 78250, minor rehab, $30K spread. Must close by Friday, only showing to buyers who’ve closed in under 10 days. POF required to get access.”

That pre-filters time-wasters.

3. Verify before contracting

Don’t rely on “he sounds legit.”

Before sending an assignment:

• Get POF

• Confirm their EMD amount and timing

• Have title on standby

• Ask: “Can you wire today if needed?”

No maybe. No tomorrow. No guessing.

4. Set expectations in writing

Send a simple bullet-point agreement via email or DocuSign before the assignment:

• “Earnest money due by ___”

• “Title company: ___”

• “Closing date: ___”

• “Contingencies: none / subject to walkthrough by ___”

• “Assignment sent upon receipt of EMD”

The faster you clarify, the less chance of delay.

Goliath Tip: Track Buyer Speed Over Time

Inside Goliath CRM, you can:

• Tag buyer close times

• Track EMD delivery time

• Score buyers based on “speed to escrow”

• Auto-prioritize fast closers when sending new deals

That way, when you need speed, you’re not guessing, you’re clicking.

What If a Buyer Is Slow After They Said They’d Close Fast?

Here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Use hard deadlines

Add language like:

“This assignment is void if EMD is not delivered within 48 hours.”

And stick to it.

2. Have backups ready

Always assign conditionally. Keep a second buyer warm with:

“Deal’s locked, but if anything changes, you’re first call.”

That buyer might even increase their offer out of urgency.

Fast Closers Leave Clues

Fast-closing buyers don’t just say it, they show it.

They:

• Ask the right questions

• Loop in title early

• Provide POF without being asked

• Wire earnest money immediately

• Stick to timelines

Everything else is noise.

Your job is to build a process that surfaces these clues early, so you spend less time chasing and more time closing.