If you work in real estate law, you’ve heard it before: “This one’s just a simple closing.” It sounds reassuring, until that “easy” file turns into a scramble over missing instructions, last-minute mortgage issues, or a lender who suddenly needs documents that were never requested.
The truth is, there’s no such thing as a simple closing. What looks routine on the surface is actually the result of dozens of invisible steps handled by law clerks, paralegals, and lawyers working behind the scenes.
Why the Myth Persists
Clients, agents, and even lawyers sometimes underestimate the complexity of real estate files. When things go smoothly, the work is practically invisible. The countless emails, title transfers, independent legal advice on a spouse, and compliance tasks blend into the background, so the closing appears effortless. That illusion fuels the myth.
What’s Really Happening Behind the Curtain
Every closing, no matter how “straightforward”, involves a web of moving parts:
- Title searches and potential defect resolution
- Mortgage instructions and lender compliance requirements
- Payouts and discharges of existing mortgages
- Debt Consolidation and growing number of debts to be paid on closing
- KYC and the increasing complexity it the “know your client” requirements
- Trust accounting and strict reporting obligations
Skip a step, and you risk delays, unhappy clients, and sometimes even liability. For example, something as small as missing a signature can freeze funding for days.
The Real Cost of Underestimating Complexity
When closings are brushed off as “simple,” law firms pay the price. Clerks end up firefighting avoidable problems. Lawyers face frustrated clients and tighter timelines. Staff burn out, mistakes creep in, and reputations take a hit. The work is always there; it’s just a question of whether it’s anticipated or rushed.
How Firms Can Bust the Myth
There’s no way around the complexity of closings, but there are smart ways to manage it:
- Treat every file with the same diligence, regardless of size.
- Use standardized checklists and workflows to avoid missed steps.
- Invest in training so staff can recognize red flags early.
- Set clear expectations with clients and agents from the start.
Serado’s Perspective
At Serado, we’ve supported countless firms who’ve discovered that “routine” files often create the biggest surprises. Our work focuses on training, process development, and system support, because the only closings that look simple are the ones managed with strong foundations.
The Takeaway
The next time someone says, “It’s just a simple closing,” remember: simplicity is an illusion. Behind every smooth deal is a team following a process that leaves nothing to chance. By retiring the myth, firms protect their clients, their staff, and their reputation.