Why is it important to ensure that the mortgage payoff amount matches the lender's quote?

Ensuring that the mortgage payoff amount matches the lender's quote is crucial for confirming the accuracy of the settlement statement, which reflects the financial aspects of a real estate transaction. The settlement statement details the funds that will be exchanged at closing, including how much is owed to the lender to fully satisfy the mortgage.

If the payoff amount does not match what was quoted by the lender, it could lead to discrepancies in the settlement statement, potentially causing delays in the closing process or leading to miscalculations of the final amounts owed by the buyer or the seller. This could result in one party being responsible for more funds than expected or, conversely, shortchanging the lender, which could complicate the transaction and lead to financial disputes.

In contrast, while avoiding overpaying the lender, fulfilling contractual obligations, and expediting the closing process are certainly relevant considerations, these objectives are all subordinate to ensuring the accuracy of the settlement statement. The correct payoff amount lays the foundation for all these other aspects of a smooth transaction.