We had a similar thing happen to us July of '14 selling our house in Highland Park. We also got hung up in attorney review, buyers tacked on a few things, most piddly and easily managed so we thought we were good to go. Then at the last minute they came up with something big - as in wanting $$ to replace the furnace and AC which were both old but fully functioning and maintained. Somehow they had come up with a $ amount based on nothing more than some online estimate they'd gotten. We offered to replace furnace only (at our cost since my husband is in construction) and they said no, they want the money based on the bogus estimate they got kicked back at closing. We said no deal and walked.

I agree it's time for you to draw your line in the sand. What do I wish someone had told me? Draw the line sooner. They dragged us on for over a month.

Another winter in the city. Hmmmmmm Then what? I think you need to fix the blaring objectives to a sale. Whether now or later. You will still need to address it.

Given your situation I think "take it or leave it" is a valid option. Negotiations don't work well unless the other side sees that you are serious. An ultimatum will get this off dead center and you'll have certainty one way or the other. If I were betting, I think they will take it, but if not you are in a good position to stay and it is heartening to know that you got this contract in 8 days.

Not knowing what kind of issues are still outstanding, I could be very wrong, but it sounds like you are probably past the point at which the average person would say take it or leave it -- by a good 2-3 weeks. If you don't have to move and don't have a place to go, why is this even a conversation?

Why these "attorney review" states take so long to close and never disclose a firm closing date is beyond me. It makes no sense that the parties do not know the date of closing of such a complex and important transaction.

Here in NC, we know the closing date up front and repairs are negotiated usually in one day! After all, it is not rocket science!

If I were in your shoes, I would draw the line now.

All fair responses! I think we were definitely too passive in letting it go on this long. We let the buyer know yesterday afternoon that we had made our final offer on what we were going to fix/credit, so far no response. At least we'll know for next time not to let things get so out of hand.

With 2 little kids you don't need to be on the "move, don't move" emotional rollercoaster.

When we sold our first house, the buyers came back at the last minute wanting a $5k credit for the roof ... the same roof they had seen 5 times when walking up to the house and had passed their inspection. Yes, it looked a bit tired, but was working just fine and they had seen it (cape roof with steep pitch so very visible), so not something hidden. I was ready to send them to he!!, but DH was calmer and said to just agree and get the deal done. It was a small percentage of the price, but very annoying.

The best part was when we drove by the old neighborhood 4 years later ... you guessed it ... still the same old roof!!

I reckon the (possible) buyers are in shock. I kind of hope they try to negotiate one tiny bit more so that you can kick them in the behind.

I actually never knew that all this negotiating goes on. I'm a person who decides what I think a thing is worth and then, that's it. End of story.