The Final Hurdle Before Closing and How we kept the Deal Intact

By the time the tenant situation was resolved, it felt like the transaction could finally move forward smoothly.

There was still one last hurdle.

A few days before closing, the buyers’ lawyer requested a two week extension. The reason was straightforward. The buyers’ mortgage was not ready in time.

This caught my attention because the deal had already gone firm. The buyers had included both a financing condition and a home inspection in their offer, and both had been waived. On paper, everything had been approved well in advance.

At that point, my focus shifted to protecting my clients.

Communication became especially important. While updates were coming through the legal side, my clients were the primary ones keeping me informed, as their lawyer did not feel it was necessary to involve the agent directly. Regardless, the priority was ensuring everyone stayed aligned and the transaction stayed intact.

There were additional layers to navigate. The buyer’s agent was also acting as the mortgage broker, which can complicate timelines and accountability when things become tight near closing.

By this stage, my clients had already purchased their downsized home. They required a specific amount of funds from this sale in order to close. Agreeing to an extension without safeguards was not an option.

We took a firm but practical approach. Additional funds were requested and structured to protect my clients if the deal failed to close. The lawyers reached an agreement, the funds were delivered, and the transaction successfully closed after the extension.

It was not ideal, but it was handled properly.

Here are the three takeaways I want you to remember.

First, a firm deal is only as strong as the preparation behind it, especially when it comes to financing.

Second, clear structure and protection matter most when timelines get tight.

Third, calm decision making under pressure is what keeps transactions together when unexpected issues arise.

Real estate is not just about smooth deals. It is about navigating the moments that test them and making sure your interests are protected every step of the way.

Essam

P.S. This deal closed successfully because boundaries were set early, risks were addressed directly, and decisions were made with clarity rather than panic.