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- October 24, 2025
- Insights
Every real estate deal has a lot of moving parts. And even with a solid property and a great lender, small issues can snowball into big delays.
The good news? Most of these delays are completely avoidable, especially when you know what to expect and how to stay ahead of the process.
At Encore Finance, we work closely with borrowers to make closing smoother, faster, and less stressful. Here’s what that looks like in action.
What Really Slows Down a Closing?
A lot of investors think the hard part is getting the term sheet. But the time between signing and closing is where deals can gain or lose momentum.
Below are a few common issues that tend to slow things down, and how to avoid them:
Title & Escrow That’s Not Aligned
Not all title and escrow providers are familiar with investment property closings, and some may not be used to working with private lenders.
That can lead to slow response times, extra back-and-forth, or missteps that add days (or even weeks) to the timeline.
What helps:
Ask your lender if they work with preferred title/escrow providers who are already aligned with their process.
At Encore Finance, we’ll gladly connect you with vetted partners who can keep the deal moving.
Properties That Aren’t Appraisal-Ready
Sometimes investors are juggling multiple properties and don’t realize one isn’t quite ready for an appraisal.
If the appraiser can’t access the unit, or has to reschedule due to debris or safety issues, the timeline can shift.
What helps:
A quick check before appraisal day:
- The property is accessible
- It’s clean and clearly marked
- Any needed instructions or access codes are shared in advance
Not sure what counts as “appraisal ready”? Check out this short video from Morgan Essary, Appraisal Coordinator at Encore Finance.
Document Requests That Stall Out
It’s easy to underestimate how fast the post-term-sheet phase can move. But when things are in motion, a missing doc or delayed response can ripple through the entire process.
What helps:
- Designate someone on your team to keep an eye out for lender requests
- Ask your Encore Finance originator for a checklist upfront so you can get ahead
The smoother the handoffs, the faster your deal moves.
Insurance That’s Still in Progress
Insurance is one of the last pieces that needs to come together before closing, and also one of the easiest to overlook.
Even when everything else is in place, your loan can’t close without a binder from your provider that meets lender requirements.
What helps:
- Get insurance started early; ideally before appraisal
- Use an experienced provider who understands investor loans
- Or, ask us for a referral – we work with providers who know how to deliver what’s needed on time.
Encore Finance Helps You Stay Ahead
We’re proactive with our borrowers from day one, and that includes helping you avoid the most common slowdowns.
Here’s how we support faster, smoother closings:
- Preferred partners: We’ll connect you with trusted title, escrow, and insurance vendors who understand investor deals
- Clear handoffs: Our originators stay involved through closing, so nothing gets lost in translation
- Upfront prep: We’ll let you know what’s coming next and help you get everything ready before it’s urgent
Ready to Close with Confidence?
Closing doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right preparation and a lending team that’s one step ahead, it can be the smoothest part of your deal.
Click here to connect with Encore and learn how to get “closing ready” from day one.
