I believe this situation can simply be chalked up to the nuances of this nation.
I'll bet the owner had the sale long, long before... but could not depend on a closing... that's how things work here.
So, if closing is not certain.. carry on business as usual...
and, Nauticall got caught in those... once in a blue-moon situations.
That being said - the seller is no doubt ecstatic at the sale actually happening.... and perhaps therefore willing to share the pain a little bit.