The Case of the Phantom Lien 

Just when everyone thought a closing was clear, a lien appeared out of nowhere. Suddenly, our happily ever after was in danger.

Lesson learned: Always do a thorough title search and resolve any red flags early. Liens love to stay hidden until the last minute, but with good preparation, they lose their scare factor.

The Vanishing Wire Transfer 

One buyer thought they sent funds safely, but the money vanished into the dark void of a scammer’s account. A true nightmare.

Lesson learned: Wire fraud is real, and it is always lurking. Confirm instructions directly with your closing attorney or trusted title company. Never trust an email alone. Refer to our other blogs about the horrors of wire fraud. 

The Zombie HOA Fee 

Everyone thought the past was buried, until old unpaid HOA fees clawed their way back into the transaction.

Lesson learned: Request an HOA letter or statement upfront. Surprises are fun at Halloween parties, not at the closing table.

The Haunted Document 

The deal was ready to close… until one document refused to appear. Missing signatures and misfiled papers delayed everything.

Lesson learned: Double check all paperwork early. A little attention to detail keeps the paperwork poltergeists away.

Keeping the Monsters at Bay

Real estate can feel spooky when unexpected issues jump out, but with the right preparation and a strong closing team, these horror stories can be avoided. At Cook and James, we believe in making every transaction smooth, informed, and fun.

Because when you have the right people watching your back, the only chills you will get this October are from a good scary movie, not your closing.

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