10/26/2026
Most escrow problems don't happen overnight. The warning signs are usually there long before closing day.
With decades of escrow experience, we've learned that sometimes it's the smallest details that cause the biggest headaches.
Here are a few red flags we're always watching for:
🚩 Someone who's suddenly hard to reach. When documents need signatures, questions need answers, or deadlines are approaching, a someone who goes quiet can bring everything to a standstill.
🚩 An HOA that's slow to respond. Outstanding balances, missing documents, and delayed HOA demands can hold up a closing. We like to get those requests moving early.
🚩 A seller leaving the country before closing. Signing documents overseas isn't always as simple as finding a notary. Depending on the country, special arrangements may need to be made well in advance.
🚩 Last-minute changes to wiring instructions. This is a BIG one. Unexpected changes are a major fraud warning sign. Always verify wiring instructions by calling a trusted, independently verified phone number. Never rely on an email alone.
🚩 Unexpected changes to who's signing. A last-minute power of attorney, an unavailable spouse, or someone signing on behalf of an entity can mean additional documentation and approvals are needed.
🚩 A closing date that falls around a holiday or weekend. Banks, county recording offices, and wire transfer deadlines don't always operate on the same schedule. Timing matters more than people realize.
Not every red flag turns into a problem. But catching something on day three instead of day twenty-eight can make a world of difference.
The goal isn't just to close escrow. It's to avoid the surprises that could have been prevented.
Don't wait for a problem to find out how good your escrow team is. Open your next escrow with us at Prosper Escrow!
