WASHINGTON — Closing by the end of the month is always problematic in December. But it could be particularly difficult this year. In fact, if you haven't started the process by now, it may be nearly impossible to finish by Dec. 31.

Question: I recently sold my home to buyers who needed 100% mortgage financing. We agreed to pay $13,000 in closing costs to help them. The lender gave them a so-called good faith estimate that showed this amount would pay their closing costs. But on the day of closing, the loan officer showed up and said they owed $4,000 more than expected to buy the home. The buyers didn't have the $4,000. Everyone felt helpless. The listing agent ended up cutting his fee to allow the sale to close. The whole thing felt fraudulent. What is the possible recourse against the mortgage lender?

Knowing what to expect is half the battle when it comes to wading through the inevitable blizzard of closing documents.