By the final week of a transaction, most buyers and sellers feel relieved. The inspections are complete, the appraisal is in, and closing is on the calendar. It feels like the hard part is over.
But after handling transactions across Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley, I can tell you this: the final week is when some deals are actually most vulnerable.
Understanding why deals fall apart at this stage — and how to prevent it — can make the difference between closing smoothly and starting over.
Why the Final Week Is More Fragile Than It Looks
At this point, there’s little room for error.
The final week involves:
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Tight timelines
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Multiple parties coordinating at once
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Legal and financial details that must align perfectly
When pressure increases, even small issues can create big delays — or deal-breaking concerns.
Common Reasons Deals Fall Apart at the Last Minute
Most final-week problems fall into a few categories.
These include:
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Financing complications or last-minute document requests
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Appraisal-related conditions not fully resolved
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Repairs not completed or verified as agreed
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Title or insurance issues surfacing late
None of these usually come as a total surprise — but timing makes them critical.
How Emotions Can Quietly Sabotage a Deal
By the final week, emotions are often running high.
Buyers and sellers may feel:
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Fatigue from the process
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Anxiety about final numbers
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Frustration over small details
When emotions drive decisions instead of strategy, communication can break down quickly.
Why “One Small Change” Can Create Big Problems
Late changes are risky.
Examples include:
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Buyers making financial changes before closing
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Sellers adjusting move-out plans
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Last-minute repair disputes
Even well-intentioned changes can delay approvals or raise red flags.
The Role of Clear Communication Behind the Scenes
Strong communication keeps deals together.
This includes:
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Confirming timelines early
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Verifying completion of agreed items
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Addressing concerns immediately — not later
Proactive coordination prevents misunderstandings from escalating.
What This Means for Sellers
Sellers can reduce risk by:
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Completing agreed repairs promptly
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Keeping documentation organized
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Avoiding last-minute changes unless necessary
Consistency builds confidence through closing.
What This Means for Buyers
Buyers should:
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Keep finances stable until closing
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Respond quickly to lender requests
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Trust the process and avoid unnecessary adjustments
Staying steady protects the finish line.
FAQs: Final-Week Deal Breakers
Q: Is it common for deals to fall apart right before closing?
A: It’s not the norm, but it does happen — usually due to unresolved details.
Q: Can financing issues appear at the last minute?
A: Yes, especially if documents or conditions aren’t fully cleared.
Q: Do repairs cause many final-week problems?
A: They can if expectations aren’t clear or verification is delayed.
Q: Can buyers or sellers still negotiate in the final week?
A: It’s possible, but timing makes it more sensitive.
Q: How can these issues be prevented?
A: Preparation, communication, and consistency are key.
The Bottom Line
The final week of a real estate transaction isn’t just about signing papers — it’s about protecting everything that’s already been agreed upon. Most deals that fall apart do so because of timing, communication gaps, or emotional decisions — not major surprises.
The strongest closings come from steady execution all the way to the end.
Heading Toward Closing? Let’s Keep It on Track
If you’re buying or selling in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, or the greater Phoenix area, I’ll help you anticipate final-week issues early and guide the process through closing with clarity and confidence.
📞 480-980-4400
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.denisehurd.com
Because getting to the finish line matters — but crossing it smoothly matters more.