7 Common Delays & How to Avoid Them –
At Secured Trust Escrow, we’ve processed enough transactions to know that timing is everything when money’s on the line. After handling over 25,000 escrows, we’ve identified the seven most common culprits that slow down disbursements – and more importantly, exactly how to steer clear of them.
1. The Paperwork Puzzle (The 1 Delay Culprit)
What Goes Wrong:
– Missing signatures (especially from spouses or business partners)
– Incomplete notarizations
– Using outdated forms (the ABC updates these frequently)
– Unreadable scanned documents
Real Example: Last month, a $1.2M business sale was delayed 11 days because one partner signed in blue ink instead of black (seriously – some lenders require this).
How We Fix It:
✓ Use our Digital Document Checklist (updated weekly)
✓ Schedule signing appointments early
✓ Have our team pre-review all paperwork
2. The Lender Limbo
What Goes Wrong:
– Last-minute underwriting requests
– “Clear to close” issued too late
– Wire transfer processing delays
The Hard Truth: 68% of residential escrow delays originate from the lender’s side.
How We Fix It:
✓ Get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified)
✓ Request lender’s full checklist upfront
✓ Have buyer wire earnest money early
3. Title Trouble
What Goes Wrong:
– Unexpected liens (old contractors, unpaid HOA fees)
– Ownership disputes
– Recording office backlogs
Shocking Fact: 1 in 7 title searches reveal surprises that delay closing.
How We Fix It:
✓ Order preliminary title reports immediately
✓ Resolve liens before listing property
✓ Use our Priority Recording Service
4. Banking Hiccups
What Goes Wrong:
– Wire cutoff times missed (after 1pm PST = next day)
– Account verification delays
– Fraud holds on large transfers
Client Story: A $750K inheritance disbursement was frozen for 3 days because the bank flagged it as suspicious (despite our advance notice).
How We Fix It:
✓ Send test wires first
✓ Notify banks about large transfers
✓ Use our Verified Banking Partners
5. The Human Factor
What Goes Wrong:
– Agents/attorneys slow to respond
– Parties traveling during critical periods
– Missed emails/voicemails
Our Solution:
✓ Dedicated escrow officer (one point of contact)
✓ 24/7 document upload portal
✓ Daily status updates (no chasing required)
6. Governmental Gridlock
What Goes Wrong:
– County recorder backlogs
– ABC approval delays
– Probate court scheduling
Current Wait Times:
– LA County Recording: 2-3 business days
– ABC Transfers: 45-90 days
– Probate Cases: 5-10 days after court order
How We Fix It:
✓ Electronic recording where available
✓ ABC pre-approval checks
✓ Court runner services
7. The Calendar Crisis
What Goes Wrong:
– Closing scheduled near holidays
– Expiring rate locks
– Lease/contract deadlines looming
Pro Tip: Never close on:
❌ Fridays (no buffer if wires fail)
❌ Month-ends (lender/lawyer crunch time)
❌ Before major holidays
Our 5-Point “No Delays” Guarantee
At Secured Trust Escrow, we’ve engineered our process to prevent these issues:
1. Pre-Signing Audit – We review everything 72 hours before closing
2. Document GPS – Real-time tracking of every signature/item needed
3. Lender Liaison – We hassle the bank so you don’t have to
4. Contingency Planning – Backup solutions ready before problems arise
5. After-Hours Team – Because real estate doesn’t sleep
What to Do If You’re Already Delayed
Don’t panic – follow these steps:
1. Identify the Hold-Up – Ask your escrow officer for specifics
2. Mobilize All Parties – Conference calls work better than email chains
3. Consider Extensions – Get these signed early if needed
4. Explore Workarounds – Temporary permits, partial disbursements
Success Story: We salvaged a delayed restaurant sale by securing a temporary liquor permit within 4 hours when the main transfer got stuck.
Why Choose Secured Trust Escrow?
We’re different because:
✔ Delay Specialists – We anticipate problems before they happen
✔ Former Lenders & ABC Agents on staff
✔ 97% On-Time Disbursement Rate (industry average is 82%)
✔ Transparent Tracking – Know exactly where your money is
✔ Available 24/7 – Nights, weekends, holidays
Don’t let avoidable delays cost you time, money, or peace of mind. Work with escrow professionals who treat your timeline as sacred.
