Closing Time: Real Estate’s Most Unforgettable Final Moments

Closing Time: Real Estate’s Most Unforgettable Final Moments

Talk Real Estate Roundtable Recap – April 5, 2025

There’s something undeniably exciting about closing day in real estate. But as any seasoned agent will tell you, those final hours before the keys are handed over can also bring some of the most unexpected and unforgettable challenges.

In the latest Talk Real Estate Roundtable episode, Sharon McNamara, Broker/Owner of Boston Connect Real Estate, and her co-host Melissa Wallace opened up about the chaos, the laughs, and the lessons they’ve learned from years of navigating closing day surprises.

When the Heat Is On—Literally

On one particularly sweltering summer day, Sharon and fellow team member Mary Horton were juggling six closings. During a final walkthrough at a condo in Abington, Mary discovered a main water line had burst—right in front of the unit about to close. “It was like oil bubbling up from the ground,” Sharon said. With limited time and a Friday afternoon working against them, they called in favors from trusted contractors and did what Boston Connect does best—problem-solved under pressure.

Their advice? Try to avoid Friday closings when possible. Scheduling mid-week gives agents time to resolve last-minute issues without derailing a client’s move-in plans.

Spaghetti Sauce, Toilets, and Unwanted Gifts

The team shared stories of walking into homes filled with unexpected “gifts” left behind by sellers. From spaghetti sauce stains and dirty refrigerators to a flower planter made out of an old toilet, Melissa summed it up best: “Don’t assume the buyer wants your stuff—just ask.”

The key takeaway: What may feel sentimental to one person can feel like clutter to another. It’s always better to be clear about what stays and what goes well before closing day.

The Littlest Things Can Make or Break a Deal

From a single overlooked hair in a shower to a drawer left unemptied, Sharon explained how small details can sometimes ignite big emotions—especially in high-stress or fast-moving markets. “In a competitive market, buyers may waive inspections or overpay, and then feel buyer’s remorse,” she explained. “Something as small as a missed cleaning item can become a flashpoint if there’s already tension.”

Melissa added that even experienced agents have had to jump in and do some scrubbing to make things right. “It’s about going the extra mile to keep things moving forward.”

When Deals Fall Apart—and Come Back Together

Not every closing goes according to plan. Sharon recalled a time when a buyer backed out at the very last minute—despite being under agreement for over 60 days. In another case, a new construction home had not one, but two brand-new heating systems fail just before closing. Still, the team stayed the course, and the property finally closed on Sharon’s birthday.

“It all comes down to professionalism and staying calm,” Sharon said. “We’re here to solve problems, not panic.”

Realtor, Negotiator… and Sometimes Therapist

Whether it’s helping a seller cope with a deal falling through or guiding a buyer through the stress of a major life transition, Sharon and Melissa have both worn the “therapist hat” more than once. “Real estate is deeply emotional,” Sharon said. “We’re not just selling houses—we’re guiding people through major life moments.”

From job losses two weeks before closing to selling a home filled with memories, the show reminded listeners how important it is to work with a team that understands the full emotional scope of a real estate transaction.

Final Tips from the Roundtable

• Start purging early. Don’t wait until the week of closing to start decluttering.

• Clarify what stays and what goes. If it’s not in writing, don’t assume.

• Stay professional. A calm, respectful relationship between agents helps everyone.

• Expect the unexpected. From appliance