3 Easy Tips to Make Closing Less Stressful

1. Avoid End-of-Month Closings

If your real estate agent is pushing for a month-end closing to "save money," think twice. It’s a common myth—and it could actually lead to delays, higher moving costs, and added stress.

Here’s why you should avoid scheduling settlement at the end of the month. The last few days of the month are the busiest for mortgage lenders and title companies. Their workload often doubles or triples, increasing the likelihood of last-minute issues—so even if your transaction is straightforward, they're busy addressing issues on other loans.

Avoid the rush. Scheduling your settlement earlier in the month gives you a better chance of a smooth, on-time closing.

2. Get a Head Start on Wire Transfers

Most buyers need to bring funds to the closing table. Personal checks usually aren’t accepted, and many title companies have stopped taking cashier’s or certified checks due to clearing delays.

That means you’ll likely need to wire funds, and there are a few steps to take at least 5–7 business days before closing:

• Request wire instructions directly from your title company via secure email.
• Verify the instructions by calling them at their published phone number. Never trust wiring details sent from a non-secure email—wire fraud is real and irreversible.
• Check with your bank in advance to understand their wire transfer process and timeline. Some banks require you to visit in person or set up wiring ahead of time.

3. Be Prepared

As long as everyone is prepared, you should be in and out of settlement in under an hour. Use our handy checklist to help you gather a list of necessary items to bring to closing. View our settlement day checklist.

But don't I save a money if I close at the end of the month?

Not really. Whether you close on July 15th or July 30th, your first mortgage payment won’t be due until September 1st. While an earlier closing means paying a bit more upfront in daily interest, the overall cost difference is negligible. It all balances out.

If you really want to save money, look for hidden savings throughout the home buying process.

To kick off your home search, you should start shopping around for your real estate agent, mortgage lender, title company, and homeowners insurance provider. Many lenders and real estate brokers charge processing and “junk” fees that can often be negotiated—or avoided entirely. You can also cut down on title-related charges by comparing title quotes. These small efforts can easily save you $1,000 or more. We'll give you the same the advice we give our friends and family. It's how we've helped our clients save over $7.5 million in closing costs.