Things to Avoid During Closing: Keep Your Home Purchase on Track 

Closing day is the final step before you officially become a homeowner. While excitement is high, small missteps can lead to delays or complications. Here’s what not to do before signing day—and how to stay on track for a smooth closing. 

Don’t Make Major Financial Changes

Avoid: 

  • Opening new credit cards 
  • Taking out loans or large lines of credit 
  • Making big purchases (cars, furniture, appliances) that could affect your debt-to-income ratio 

Why it matters: Your lender re-verifies your finances right before closing. Sudden changes can affect loan approval or even delay your closing. 

Tip: Keep your financial profile stable and consult your lender before making any big moves. 

Don’t Miss Deadlines

Avoid: 

  • Forgetting to submit requested documents 
  • Delaying signing forms or responding to lender or title company requests 

Why it matters: Missing deadlines can hold up your closing, delaying access to your new home. 

Tip: Create a checklist of documents and deadlines. Stay in communication with your lender, agent, and title company.

Don’t Skip the Final Walkthrough

Avoid: 

  • Assuming the home’s condition hasn’t changed since your last visit 
  • Ignoring minor issues, like leaks or broken appliances 

Why it matters: The final walkthrough ensures the property is in the agreed-upon condition. Skipping it could leave you responsible for unexpected repairs. 

Tip: Schedule the walkthrough within 24–48 hours of closing and document any issues immediately. 

Don’t Ignore Your Closing Disclosure

Avoid: 

  • Skimming the document or waiting until the last minute 
  • Failing to compare it with your loan estimate 

Why it matters: The Closing Disclosure outlines all final costs, loan terms, and monthly payments. Mistakes or unexpected fees here can delay your transaction. 

Tip: Review your Closing Disclosure at least 3 days before closing and ask questions if anything looks off. 

Don’t Rely on Verbal Promises

Avoid: 

  • Trusting verbal agreements for repairs, inclusions, or credits 
  • Assuming any last-minute changes are official without documentation 

Why it matters: Only written agreements in your contract or addenda are legally enforceable. 

Tip: Ensure all promises are in writing and confirmed by your agent or title company. 

Don’t Forget Your Funds

Avoid: 

  • Arriving without proper payment for your down payment and closing costs 
  • Using personal checks when certified, cashier’s check, or wire transfer is required 

Why it matters: Funds must be received exactly as instructed to finalize your transaction. Missing or incorrect payment can delay closing. 

Tip: Verify payment type and amount with your title company or lender before closing day. 

Don’t Make Assumptions About Timing

Avoid: 

  • Planning major moves, renovations, or utility changes without confirmed closing 
  • Expecting a same-day recording or immediate access to keys in every case 

Why it matters: Closing can be delayed by last-minute paperwork, lender verification, or title issues

Tip: Build flexibility into your moving schedule and confirm key pick-up procedures in advance. 

The Checklist for Closing – and What to Avoid

  • Keep your finances stable and avoid large purchases 
  • Submit documents on time and review every form carefully 
  • Attend the final walkthrough and document any issues 
  • Ensure all promises are written and verified 
  • Prepare funds accurately and follow closing instructions 
  • Stay flexible and communicate proactively