Can anything go wrong during closing on a house?

Asked by: Santa Gutmann I  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (18 votes)

A closing on a home can be delayed for many reasons, including a lower-than-expected assessment, problems found at the time of the inspection, or if there is an issue with your mortgage loan.

Can your loan be denied after closing?

Yes, a mortgage can be denied at the closing table if new information comes to light about the borrowers circumstance or some other change which could affect the mortgage.

Can a deal fall through at closing?

A closing may fall through for many reasons, including title-insurance surprises, buyer financing rejections, inspection failures, and lowball appraisals. Even buyer's remorse can sour a deal.

Are you liable for anything after selling a house?

Now that the home is under new ownership, the property owner bears the responsibility of anything related to the property. The only way you could be liable at this point, is if something happens and the buyer can prove that you should have known about it, and therefore were responsible to disclose it to them.

Can anything go wrong after closing on a house?

Disputes over closing costs

However, problems may emerge if those terms are not clear, or if closing costs significantly increase beyond what was expected. If that happens, it is possible the transaction will be halted until any issues can be sorted out.

Final Walkthrough Before Closing | When Things Go Wrong

43 related questions found

What can go wrong at closing?

There may be problems with the good faith estimate, or other errors may prevent closing.
  • Termite Inspection Shows Damage. ...
  • The Appraisal Is Too Low. ...
  • There Are Clouds on the Title. ...
  • Home Inspection Shows Defects. ...
  • One Party Gets Cold Feet. ...
  • Your Financing Falls Through. ...
  • The Home Is in a High-Risk Area. ...
  • The Home Isn't Insurable.

Is seller responsible for anything after closing?

If a buyer discovers hidden defects or unforeseen issues after closing, they may be able to sue the seller for damages. The specific legal options available will depend on the laws of the state where the property is located and the real estate contract terms.

What happens if you buy a house and something is wrong?

If you discover material defects after the real estate transaction has closed, you may have an action for breach of contract. A qualified, local real estate attorney with experience in housing and construction defects can help you understand your rights and draft an appropriate demand letter.

How long after you buy a house can you sue the seller?

Depending on the laws of your state, you may have up to 3 years to seek legal action if the sellers KNOWINGLY hid or lied about issues in their disclosure. If a property is sold “as is” or purchased through an auction, then it is up to the buyer to do their due diligence and pay for any inspections that they choose.

Can a seller back out after closing?

If the seller's situation aligns with a contingency, they are free to walk away. If it doesn't, trying to back out can be costly and futile. Fortunately, it isn't typical for a buyer or seller to back out at the last second.

How often do buyers back out at closing?

3.9% of real estate sales fail after the contract is signed.

There's nothing more frustrating than having a buyer back out at the last second. Even if you're lucky and the house sells quickly and above the asking price after a heated bidding war, many things can go wrong that cause a deal to fall through.

Do all lenders pull credit day of closing?

Q: Do lenders pull credit day of closing? A: Not usually, but most will pull credit again before giving the final approval. So, make sure you don't rack up credit cards or open new accounts.

Can closing costs go down?

These costs may include lender fees, agent commissions, taxes, insurance premiums, and title company services. Not all closing costs are set in stone, meaning you may have the opportunity to negotiate them down or totally eliminate them.

What happens 3 days before closing?

When the Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule becomes effective, lenders must give you new, easier-to-use disclosures about your loan three business days before closing. This gives you time to review the terms of the deal before you get to the closing table.

Can you lose your loan after closing?

In the end, closing on a home as well as signing a closing disclosure with your lender do not guarantee your loan will be funded. To avoid the risk of a loan denial after closing, it's essential to communicate and be proactive with your lender throughout the entire buying process.

Why would the underwriter deny a loan?

Underwriters can't approve a loan application with missing or unverifiable information. Although this might seem obvious, it was one of the top reasons for loan denial in 2020. You can't prove your income or employment history is stable. Most loan programs require a two-year history of steady earnings and employment.

Who is liable if defects are found after a home inspection?

If you can prove that the seller knew about a material defect at the time of the sale and failed to disclose that information, the seller could face liability. They may be responsible for the cost of the repairs. A material defect is not a minor issue (ex: chipped paint, broken floor tile).

Can you sell a house with a bad well?

If you're selling the home, the well should be tested just before listing the property. Buyers should include a well test as a part of the home inspection clause. If you have any additional questions, consult a well water professional. They can give you information about any further testing and the need for repairs.

How long are you liable after selling a house?

California is clear about liability laws

This means the buyers have three years to sue you if you failed to fully disclose issues or defects in your home before you sold it.

Can something go wrong at closing?

Issues with title

Title issues can cause major problems during the closing process. These can include unpaid property taxes, liens on the property, and errors on the deed. To prevent title issues from becoming a problem, it's crucial to have a title search conducted before closing.

What are the red flags when buying a flipped house?

During the showing, take note of loose outlets, drafty gaps in doors and windows, or fixtures in strange places; these could be red flags when buying a flipped house. It's also a good idea to turn on all the major systems and appliances and ensure they're working properly.

What is a seller liable for after closing?

California: 4 years for written contracts, 3 years for property damage.

Can a seller pay for repairs at closing?

Lenders only allow seller credits to cover closing costs. This matters because lenders call credits for repairs and improvements "repair credits" and treat them differently than closing cost credits. The lender will lower the sales price by the amount of the repair credit, not your closing costs.

Can a deal fall through after closing?

Sometimes, deals fall through, even after you and the buyer have a contract in place. While it's relatively rare for a buyer to back out of a deal, it does happen. Here, we'll explain the most common reasons for a buyer to back out, and what you can do if it happens to you.

How long after buying a house can you complain?

Most statutes of limitations are somewhere between two and ten years, but this will depend on where you are and what type of claim you have.