A Real Story From the Columbus Real Estate Market

 

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🎯 What Happens When Back-to-Back Closings Almost Fall Apart? A Real Story from the Columbus Real Estate Market

Buying and selling a home at the same time can be exciting—but when one small hiccup causes a domino effect, it takes an experienced Realtor to hold it all together.

This week, I had one of the most challenging real estate transactions in my 41+ years—and it reminded me just how much is at stake when clients are doing a back-to-back closing.

The Plan: Sell and Buy on the Same Day

My client was selling his home and purchasing a new one—both scheduled to close on the same day. This type of transaction requires precise coordination between title companies, lenders, moving trucks, utility transfers, and, most importantly, people's lives.

He took time off work to move.
Movers were booked.
Utilities were already switched.
The buyer of his old home had been granted early possession—so there was no room for error.

Everything was lined up perfectly… until it wasn’t.

The Problem: A Last-Minute Delay from the Lender

Just a few days before closing, we were told by the buyer’s lender:

“We’re not going to make Thursday’s closing. We’ll just push it to Monday. No big deal.”

“No big deal?” It was a very big deal.

📦 The moving truck was already scheduled.
⏰ My client had taken two days off work.
⚡ Utilities had already been transferred.
🏠 Two families were depending on that closing happening on time.

To say I was frustrated would be an understatement.

The Scramble: Saving the Deal

After multiple tense calls and emails, the lender agreed to push closing up to Friday—but then delayed sending the loan documents until 15 minutes before the title company closed for the weekend.

I had our title rep on standby, waiting to make the closing happen. If they hadn’t gone above and beyond to help, this deal could have fallen apart—leaving both families in limbo.

The Result: It Closed… Barely

We made it. Barely. But only because every experienced professional involved did their part—except the lender, who only pulled through at the final second and then had the nerve to text me:

"It’s at the finish line… it’s happening."

Like he had just performed a miracle instead of doing the job he had committed to days ago.

The Takeaway: Timing Is Everything—and So Is Experience

If you’re planning to sell your home and buy a new one on the same day, don’t underestimate the complexity of what’s involved. These back-to-back transactions require:

✅ Expert planning
✅ Seamless communication between all parties
✅ A Realtor who knows what to do when things go sideways

This is why experience matters. It’s not just about showing houses—it’s about protecting your time, your money, and your peace of mind.

Thinking About Moving?

If you’re considering buying and selling in Columbus, Hilliard, Dublin, Worthington, or Upper Arlington, and want someone who will go to bat for you when it counts, let’s talk. I’ve helped thousands of families navigate the process—and I’d love to help you, too.

📞 614-572-5775 Contact me anytime for expert advice, market insights, and a plan you can trust.

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