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5 Closing Day Disasters That Happen Way More Than You Think (And How to Avoid Them)

Updated: 6 days ago



Closing Day Is Supposed to Be a Celebration

So why is it so stressful? There’s nothing quite like closing day. It’s the moment everything becomes official—the keys are handed over, the papers get signed, and the long real estate rollercoaster finally slows to a stop. You made it! Yay! You can almost hear the soundtrack to your homeownership montage playing in the background.



But then something goes sideways.



Not big at first. Just…off. A missing document. A lost ID. A last-minute surprise that turns the entire day into a high-stakes scramble. Sound dramatic?



Unfortunately, it’s not.



These disasters happen more often than you’d think—and sometimes in the most ridiculous ways possible. The good news is that every single one of these stress-inducing mishaps can be avoided. All it takes is a little knowledge, the right prep, and a title team that knows how to stop problems before they ever get close to your closing table.




Let’s talk about five real closing day disasters that happen way more than they should—and how you can make sure they don’t happen to you.




Disaster #1: Wiring Money to a Scammer’s Account

One of the most devastating closing day catastrophes doesn’t even happen at the table. It happens before you ever walk into the office.



You receive an email that looks completely legit—it says it’s from your agent or your lender, and it tells you it’s time to wire your funds. The email has perfect grammar, branded signatures, and detailed instructions.



You follow the steps, hit send, and just like that… your life savings are gone. Studies have revealed that 1 in 20 new homeowners will encounter some form of cybersecurity threat during the closing period. Wire fraud is one of the most dangerous threats in real estate today.



Criminals have gotten smart. They impersonate professionals, sneak into inboxes, and time their attacks for maximum impact—just as the deal is about to close.





A person in a hoodie intently works on a laptop in a dark room with glowing digital panels, creating a mysterious, tech-focused atmosphere.



What stops this disaster in its tracks is confirmation. A legitimate title company will never leave you guessing. They’ll talk you through the wire process, ensure you’re using secure communication, and verify every step. Always speak directly with your title company before sending money. Real voices over real phones are your best defense.




Disaster #2: The HOA That Nobody Talked To

This one sneaks up on people, especially in condos, townhomes, or any neighborhood with a shiny entrance sign and monthly dues. Everything is rolling along smoothly until someone at the title table asks a simple question: “Did we get the HOA clearance?”




Cue the blank stares.




The Homeowners Association paperwork was never delivered.



The required fees weren’t paid. And the person who’s supposed to sign off on the transfer? They're currently off-grid on a hiking retreat. HOA documents are often overlooked until the last minute. But they’re not optional. Without them, closings stall, and tempers flare.



A good title company won’t wait for someone else to remember—they’ll coordinate with the HOA early, track down the right contacts, and keep you out of the last-minute scramble zone. You don’t want to be the person calling strangers from a property Facebook group, hoping someone answers.




Disaster #3: The Case of the Missing ID

It’s such a small thing—your ID.



And yet, forgetting it can grind your closing to a complete halt. You show up. Everyone’s ready. The notary smiles and says, “Can I see your ID?”



You reach into your bag... and nothing. It’s not in the bag. Not in the car. Not in your coat pocket. You left it sitting at home next to your coffee cup.




Young man in a suit exchanges a card with another person outdoors. Green bushes and a building in the background. Serious expression.



The law is clear. No ID, no signatures. You can’t legally close on a property without government-issued identification that is current and valid. A photocopy won’t work.



A photo on your phone won’t either. And while your library card or gym pass might have sentimental value, they aren’t going to help you now.



This disaster is avoidable with the most basic prep.



Put your ID in your bag the night before. Bring a backup if you want to be extra safe. And don’t ignore those friendly “Remember your ID!” reminders your title company sends—they’re not just being polite, they’re trying to save your sanity.




Disaster #4: The Walkthrough Surprise That Stops Everything

The final walkthrough is supposed to be a formality. A victory lap. One last check to confirm everything’s in place. But more often than you’d believe, buyers show up on closing day morning and find chaos instead.






The fridge is gone—even though it was supposed to stay. The seller hasn’t moved out. There’s damage that wasn’t there before. Or worse, there’s still stuff everywhere, and someone’s cat is hiding under the bed.



And you don't want a cat (or do you?)






These moments are awkward at best, deal-breaking at worst. The final walkthrough isn’t just a formality—it’s the last line of defense before funds transfer. And if something’s off, buyers have every right to hit pause.




The key to avoiding this disaster is timing. Don’t wait until the morning of closing to walk through. Do it the day before, with enough time to address surprises.



Make sure possession timelines are clear and in writing. And confirm exactly what’s included in the sale—don’t assume the seller’s leaving the washer and dryer just because they said so two months ago.



A detail-obsessed title company will flag these expectations early and help mediate any last-minute conflicts with finesse.




Disaster #5: The Surprise Lien That Nobody Saw Coming

Everything’s going great. You’re at the closing table, the vibe is positive, and the pens are uncapped. And then someone walks in and drops the bomb: “We found a lien.”




It could be an old contractor who never got paid. It might be back taxes from three years ago. Sometimes it’s a legal judgment that the seller didn’t even know about.



Either way, this just became a problem.



Liens don’t always show up early in the process, especially if no one’s been proactive. And when they pop up late, they can delay closing for days, or kill the deal entirely.






By running a preliminary title report early in the process, they can catch red flags before they explode. And if something does surface, they’ll have time to resolve it, negotiate it, or work around it without turning closing day into a legal mess.




The Unsung Heroes of Closing Day: Your Title Team

Most people think of the title company as the folks who manage the paperwork. And sure, we do that. But the truth is, a great title company is more like a backstage production crew for your real estate performance.




We keep everything moving.



We solve problems before you ever see them. We remind you about the little things, the big things, and the things you didn’t even know were things. From coordinating the lender to tracking down rogue HOA presidents, we’ve seen it all—and we’re ready for it.




Think of us as the chaos-prevention squad in business casual. We make the hard stuff look easy so that you can focus on the exciting part: getting the keys.




Frequently Asked Questions About Closing Day Chaos




Do people really forget their ID?

Yes. More than you'd believe. It’s one of the top reasons closings get delayed. Always double-check before you leave home.




How serious is wire fraud?

It’s very real and very costly. If you ever receive wiring instructions over email, call your title company directly before taking any action. Always verify.




Can a title company really prevent these disasters?

Absolutely. When you work with a modern, detail-driven title company like Streamline Title & Escrow, they’re not just handling logistics—they’re managing risk, protecting your money, and saving your peace of mind.




Let’s Make Closing Day the Best Day

You’ve made it this far. You’ve jumped through hoops, signed stacks of documents, and survived inspections, offers, and negotiations. Don’t let closing day be the part that goes sideways.




It doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right title company by your side—one that’s fun, proactive, and borderline obsessed with getting every detail right—your closing day can be exactly what it should be: a moment worth celebrating.




If you’re ready to skip the drama and celebrate your big day with confidence, we’re here, pens in hand, ready to make it happen. Reach out today.

















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