Closing on your Washington home should be the final, exciting step of the selling process. Unfortunately, many transactions hit roadblocks that push timelines back—or even cause deals to fall apart. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth path to closing.
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is not being upfront about known issues. Buyers discover them during inspections anyway, and surprises late in the process can cause delays or re-negotiations.
If your sales agreement includes repair requests, don’t wait until the last minute to complete them. Missed deadlines for repairs can stall the buyer’s financing approval and postpone closing.
Titles, HOA records, permits, and disclosure forms must be complete and accurate. In Washington, missing documentation is a leading cause of extended closings.
Even strong buyers can face delays with loan approvals. Sellers who don’t stay in communication with their agent and the buyer’s lender risk extending the process unnecessarily.
Some sellers forget that their own financial activities—like applying for new credit, refinancing, or large withdrawals—can raise red flags and complicate settlement.
Unanswered questions or delays in communication between sellers, agents, and escrow officers can push closings back. Staying proactive helps avoid unnecessary setbacks.
