Closing with Confidence – Smoother Transactions Every Time

Tony Ketterling • July 3, 2025

Closing with Confidence – Smoother Transactions Every Time

Real pros know that closing is where your reputation is either made or lost.


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šŸ’¬ Why This Week Matters

Let’s face it: getting a contract signed is exciting — but it’s not the finish line. Real pros know that closing is where your reputation is either made or lost. Week 6 is all about mastering the behind-the-scenes magic that ensures your deals don’t fall apart at the finish line. If you’ve ever felt anxious about inspections, delays, or last-minute surprises, this week’s for you.

šŸ¤ Collaborative Power: Your Deal Team

Strong agents don’t go it alone. They coordinate. Here’s how to work with, not just around, the key players:

  • Lenders – Confirm timelines, get weekly status updates, and stay alert to funding or underwriting slowdowns.
  • Inspectors – Schedule quickly. Prep your buyers on what’s typical vs. red-flag-worthy.
  • Title & Escrow Reps – Loop them in early. Ensure your client understands what’s expected for a smooth closing.

Pro Tip: Create a shared timeline or checklist with all parties in one email thread. You’ll become known as the organized, proactive agent everyone wants to work with.

🧯 When Things Go Sideways

Closings rarely go exactly as planned — but your calm response makes all the difference. Common hiccups (and how to handle them):

  • Appraisal Gaps – Have comps ready. Be ready to renegotiate or explore appraisal gap coverage.
  • Financing Delays – Double-check pre-approvals. Keep buyers focused on documentation and credit stability.
  • Repairs or Credits – Guide your clients toward win-win compromises that keep the deal intact.

Remember: panic kills deals, but preparation builds trust.

šŸ“‹ Staying Organized Through to the Finish

Keep your files clean, your communication clear, and your expectations aligned. Here’s what helps:

  • Use Dotloop or your Equity transaction system to track every document and signature.
  • Set calendar reminders for deadlines: inspections, contingencies, appraisals, funding.
  • Send weekly client updates so they never wonder what’s next.

The goal: You’re the calm, professional presence everyone counts on — especially when it gets messy.

🧭 Final Thought

ā€œThe reward for good work is more work.ā€ – Tom Sachs

Smooth closings lead to happy clients. Happy clients lead to referrals. And referrals are how your business grows predictably — without chasing leads every day.

Week 6 is where trust compounds. Finish strong. Close with confidence. Repeat.

Tony Ketterling

CEO of Equity Real Estate

As the CEO of Equity Real Estate, I bring over four decades of management and leadership experience to the real estate market, where I have been actively involved since 2000. Equity, the #15 independent real estate company in the nation, boasts a constantly growing network of over 3,500 agents. My passion for the industry drives me to support and guide my team in delivering exceptional client service.

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