6 Things Buyers Do During Escrow That Are Sure to Make Sellers Angry

Getting your offer accepted often feels like the finish line, but in reality, it’s just the start of the next phase—escrow. While you may be tempted to breathe a sigh of relief when the deal is under contract, there’s still a long road ahead. From inspections and appraisals to paperwork and deadlines, you’ll need to work (and play nice!) with the seller in order to navigate the process and reach the closing table successfully.

Unfortunately, many buyers do certain things that make a seller angry—often without even realizing they’re doing anything wrong—which can create unnecessary tension, or even jeopardize the deal altogether.

So, if you want to get to the closing table as smoothly and drama-free as possible, here are 6 common mistakes you want to avoid during escrow:

1) Saying “As-Is” but Bringing a Full Repair Wishlist

Many buyers say they’ll take the house “as-is” when they’re focused on getting their offer accepted because it can tip the scales in their favor if there are multiple offers, or perhaps even get them a break on the price. But once they do the home inspection, they sometimes conveniently forget that’s what they agreed to and send along a long list of things for the seller to fix.

Depending on how the contract was written, you may or may not have the right to renege on that agreement. But even if you technically have the legal right to go back on your word, it’s not going to go over well with the seller, and could cause them to look for ways to make your life miserable, or even kill the deal.

2) Turning Their House Into a Private Yard Sale

“I can’t remember what it said in the listing… is the fridge included in the sale?” is a perfectly reasonable question. But some buyers start asking the seller if they’ll throw other things into the deal for free during escrow, like a couch, their grill, or TV for instance.

That doesn’t mean you can’t ask a seller if they’d be willing to sell you things that fit perfectly in a room, or you’d like to avoid having to buy right after closing. But offer them a fair price, and be respectful if they say no to your offer.

3) Backing Out of Those Agreed-Upon Extras

What’s even more annoying than a buyer pushing a seller to leave them some free furniture patio, or sell it to them dirt cheap? Getting them to agree to it, only to tell them the day before closing that they don’t want it anymore, and they need to get rid of it before the buyer is willing to close on the house.

If the seller agrees to leave you something or sell it to you, honor the deal. Changing your mind at the last minute can create unnecessary stress and potentially delay the closing. If you’re unsure about an extra, it’s better to say so upfront than to cause a last-minute headache for the seller.

4) Turning Showings Into Family Reunions

Throughout escrow there are times when you’ll be allowed to come into the seller’s house, such as for the home inspection, to take measurements before you buy a piece of furniture, or even to show a trusted friend or family member the house. However, some buyers take it too far and bring a parade of cousins, coworkers, and some guy from their bowling team along to check out their future home.

Keep your entourage to a bare minimum when the seller allows you into their home during escrow, because it is still their home. If you must invite people over to see the house during escrow, make sure the seller is entirely cool with it before inviting anyone, and make it a quick one-time visit.

5) Missing Deadlines

Closing day is not the one and only deadline. There are plenty of other deadlines throughout the process, like when additional deposits need to be made, when the home inspection needs to be completed, and when the mortgage approval needs to be in, just to name a few. Missing a deadline can easily make the seller and their agent start to question whether you’ll even be able to get to the closing table! What’s worse is that some buyers will stop responding to emails or calls, rather than admit they’re running behind and need an extension.

Sellers and their agents rely on timely communication to keep things on track. Missing key dates and ghosting your way through escrow isn’t just frustrating—it can delay or even jeopardize your closing. Stay engaged and proactive to keep everyone happy and the deal moving forward.

6) Channeling CSI During the Final Walkthrough

Before heading to the closing table it’s not just a buyer’s right to inspect the property, it’s something they should do in order to make sure the house is in acceptable condition. But some buyers take it to another level and start nitpicking over every little thing they find wrong.

Keep in mind that the house should be in “broom clean” condition before closing. You’re looking to make sure there isn’t any major damage, and that the seller has taken everything they should have out of the house, and left everything they were supposed to leave you. So don’t go crazy over a tiny scratch or smudge here and there.