American Notary Services
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Loan Signing Tips

9 Common Closing-Day Mistakes That Delay Funding (and How to Avoid Them)

6–7 min read
•
December 30, 2025

Small, preventable issues can turn closing day into a nightmare. Here's your checklist to keep signings smooth and funding on track.

Closing day is exciting… until one small hiccup turns into a string of delays.

Most funding delays aren't caused by "big problems." They're usually caused by small, preventable issues—a missing ID, the wrong address, a signer who's running late, or a document package that wasn't delivered as expected.

Whether you're a borrower signing at home, a seller squeezing an appointment between meetings, or a title team coordinating multiple parties, this checklist can save you time (and stress).

1

Missing or Expired ID

This is the #1 cause of an appointment that can't move forward.

How to avoid it:

  • Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for every signer.
  • If you recently changed your name, tell the title team early so records match.
2

Someone Signed Too Early

Many documents must be signed in front of the signing agent/notary (and the notarial certificate must match what actually happened).

How to avoid it:

  • Don't sign anything in advance unless the title team specifically instructs you to.
  • If you already signed something, mention it before the appointment starts so it can be handled correctly.
3

Not All Signers Are Present

One missing signer can mean a full reschedule (or a complicated split signing).

How to avoid it:

  • Confirm every required signer can be present for the full appointment window.
  • If a signer can't attend, ask the title team about a split signing option as early as possible.
4

The Appointment Address Is Incorrect or Incomplete

This is more common than you'd think—missing unit numbers, incorrect gate codes, wrong building entrance, or "new construction" addresses that don't map well.

How to avoid it:

  • Include apartment/unit number, building name, gate code, and parking notes.
  • If the location is tricky, send a quick "how to find us" note.
5

Pets, Access Issues, or an Unsafe Signing Environment

If the signing area isn't workable (or safe), the appointment slows down—or stops.

How to avoid it:

  • Have a table, good lighting, and a quiet spot ready.
  • If there are dogs/pets, secure them before the appointment.
  • If you're meeting at a hospital/assisted living facility, mention it ahead so access is smooth.
6

A Witness Is Required (and Nobody Arranged One)

Some documents require a witness. If the witness isn't there, everything can stall.

How to avoid it:

  • Ask the title team in advance if witnesses are required.
  • If a witness is needed, confirm who is providing them before the appointment.
7

The Document Package Delivery Wasn't Clear

This one hits title teams and borrowers alike: Is it a doc drop? Is the agent expected to print? Are there borrower copies?

How to avoid it:

Confirm the delivery method early:

  • "Docs will be delivered to the signer" (borrower print)
  • "Doc drop at location"
  • "Signing agent printing required"

Confirm whether scanbacks are required and when.

8

Tight Deadlines Without a Time Window

"Anytime today" sounds flexible… but it usually creates delays. A real time window prevents missed courier cutoffs and last-minute rushing.

How to avoid it:

  • Provide a 2–3 hour window if possible.
  • If you have a funding/courier cutoff, share it up front.
9

Last-Minute Changes (Time, Location, Signers) Without Notice

Moving the appointment by 30 minutes is fine. Moving it by 30 minutes without telling anyone causes chaos.

How to avoid it:

  • If anything changes—location, signers, access instructions—send the update as soon as it happens.
  • Keep communication in one thread whenever possible.
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Quick "Smooth Closing" Checklist

Before your signing, make sure you have:

  • IDs ready for all signers
  • Everyone present and on time
  • Address + unit + gate code + parking notes confirmed
  • Don't sign early
  • Witness requirement confirmed (if applicable)
  • Document delivery/printing expectations confirmed
  • Time window shared (and cutoff times mentioned)
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