We signed the LOI six weeks ago, but the buyer is dragging out the diligence process with redundant requests, and our team is starting to show signs of deal fatigue. How do we regain control of the timeline without threatening to walk away?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Deal fatigue is a major threat that can destroy transaction value. To regain control of the timeline, you must establish a clear rhythm of accountability, much like your weekly EOS® meetings. Schedule a brief, semi-weekly alignment call specifically dedicated to the closing checklist. Map every open request to a specific owner on their side and yours, using a shared tracker. If the buyer is asking redundant questions, it is often a sign of disorganization or a lack of trust on their part. Take forty-five minutes of quiet Thinking Time to formulate high-value questions about their true bottleneck. Is it their legal team, their senior lender, or their Quality of Earnings provider? Once you identify the real blocker, address it directly. Frame the conversation around mutual success, reminding them that a prolonged timeline increases operational risk for both parties. Set a firm but collaborative target date for the final draft of the purchase agreement. By bringing the same execution discipline to the deal process that you bring to your weekly operations, you force the buyer to match your pace and eliminate the costly delays of a disorganized close.