You can extend your rate lock and charge to seller if you wanted to keep escrow open until repairs are done or go credit route. A repair escrow is an agreement between the Buyer and Seller to set aside money to complete required repairs after the transaction closes.The only ones that can instruct escrow to not close are the principals ( buyer and seller ) only . Agents don't legally have the right to. Learn how to create a repair escrow to ensure the home seller makes repairs even after the sale and honors promises from your negotiations pre-closing. Seller credits can be used for almost any type of repair. If time runs out or weather prevents the repairs from being completed the closing will be delayed or sometimes a repair escrow can be arranged. The sellers didn't repair what they agreed to repair at closing. 10,000 in escrow was held. A holdback is meant to encourage the seller to make needed repairs in a timely fashion.