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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š¬ Why This Week Matters
Letās face it: getting a contract signed is exciting ā but itās 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 donāt fall apart at the finish line.
If youāve ever felt anxious about inspections, delays, or last-minute surprises, this weekās for you.
š¤ Collaborative Power: Your Deal Team
Strong agents donāt go it alone. They coordinate.
Hereās how to work with, not just around, the key players:
- Lenders ā Confirm timelines, get weekly status updates, and stay alert to funding or underwriting slowdowns.
- Inspectors ā Schedule quickly. Prep your buyers on whatās typical vs. red-flag-worthy.
- Title & Escrow Reps ā Loop them in early. Ensure your client understands whatās expected for a smooth closing.
Pro Tip: Create a shared timeline or checklist with all parties in one email thread. Youāll become known as the organized, proactive agent everyone wants to work with.
š§Æ When Things Go Sideways
Closings rarely go exactly as planned ā but your calm response makes all the difference.
Common hiccups (and how to handle them):
- Appraisal Gaps ā Have comps ready. Be ready to renegotiate or explore appraisal gap coverage.
- Financing Delays ā Double-check pre-approvals. Keep buyers focused on documentation and credit stability.
- Repairs or Credits ā Guide your clients toward win-win compromises that keep the deal intact.
Remember: panic kills deals, but preparation builds trust.
š Staying Organized Through to the Finish
Keep your files clean, your communication clear, and your expectations aligned. Hereās 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 whatās next.
The goal: Youāre the calm, professional presence everyone counts on ā especially when it gets messy.
š§ Final Thought
āThe reward for good work is more work.ā ā Tom Sachs
Smooth closings lead to happy clients. Happy clients lead to referrals. And referrals are how your business grows predictably ā without chasing leads every day.
Week 6 is where trust compounds. Finish strong. Close with confidence. Repeat.
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