09/23/25

Buying or selling a home should be an exciting milestone. Whether it’s your first home, a bigger space for a growing family or a long-term investment, it’s a big deal.

But as many in real estate know, the process doesn’t always go smoothly. From unexpected delays to fraud risks, there are potential roadblocks. The good news is that most of these situations can be evaded with the right preparation and a trusted team of professionals by your side.

Wire fraud risks: Wire fraud is one of the most concerning threats facing today’s real estate transactions. Imagine sending in your hard-earned down payment, only to discover later that you were tricked by a fraudulent email. The FBI reported that real estate wire fraud schemes accounted for more than $350 million in losses in a single year.

What you should do: Always confirm wiring instructions directly with your title company using a verified phone number. Be cautious of last-minute changes and never click on unfamiliar links. Remember two last things: If something seems off, it probably is, and if you close with us, your wiring instructions should never change.

Title issues: Sometimes buyers think they’ve found the perfect home, only to discover an old lien, unpaid taxes or a clerical error that could complicate the transfer of ownership. That’s why getting a title search and related title insurance policies are so important. These hidden issues can lead to costly delays and legal challenges.

What you should do: Choose a trusted title company like us. We conduct thorough searches and do whatever it takes to make sure you are clear to close. In fact, even if we find an issue, that’s OK. We’ll work to resolve it – often with little to no delay to your original timetable. That way, if an issue arises later, you’ll have protection and peace of mind.

Skipping the inspection. In competitive markets, some buyers consider waiving the inspection to strengthen their offer. That doesn’t happen as much these days – doing so was big during the pandemic – but we still advise against it. Why? While doing this may help secure the property, it can also lead to unexpected repairs and expenses down the road.

What you should do: Always schedule a professional home inspection with a vetted home inspector. Your agent or our team may have some suggestions if you need them. Identifying problems early can save you from costly surprises after move-in.

Closing day delays: Picture this. Your moving truck is packed, the family is ready, but the paperwork isn’t complete. Talk about turning your celebratory Closing Day into a stressful one. Missing signatures, last-minute lender requests or delayed funds can all create closing headaches, especially if these problems were never talked about beforehand (That won’t happen with us, we promise).

What to do instead: Stay in close communication with your agent, lender and title company throughout the process. Verify timelines, confirm all funds in advance and ask questions if anything feels unclear. We’re here to provide you with answers and keep everything on track!

As you can see, most of the potential delays to your closings can be avoided if you pick a great title and escrow provider to begin with. We’re not always perfect, but even when things go awry, we make sure to guide them back on track. Trust our teams to tackle your residential and commercial transactions anytime!