If you print too far in advance, you’re stuck storing sensitive paperwork—and if the package updates (it often does), you’ll waste time and toner reprinting. If you wait until the last minute, a corrupt PDF or fussy printer can derail your closing. So what’s the smart middle ground?

The Sweet Spot: 6–12 Hours Before the Appointment

A reliable rule of thumb is to print 6–12 hours before the signing—after you’ve received the final package or written “OK to print” from title/lender.

• Morning signings (8–11 a.m.): Print the evening before, after one last check for updates.
• Afternoon/evening signings (12–7 p.m.): Print the same morning, once you’ve confirmed no changes.

This window balances three realities:

1. Documents change—often late.
2. You need time to fix file/printer issues.
3. Printed sets must be stored securely.

Why Not Earlier? Why Not Later?

Printing too early

• Version risk: Revised CDs, fees, vesting, or notary instructions are common. Reprints waste time—and create more sensitive waste to shred.
• Security burden: You must store printed sets in a locked container and control access. Never leave them in a vehicle.

Printing at the last minute

• Tech gremlins: Corrupt PDFs, mixed page sizes, driver glitches, or low toner tend to show up when you’re rushing.
• No recovery time: If you need to re-download or swap printers, your on-time arrival (and the signing’s funding timeline) is at risk.

A Simple Workflow You Can Repeat

T-24 to T-12 hours

• Confirm the appointment, location, and signer IDs.
• Check for preliminary docs or notes from title/lender.

T-12 to T-6 hours

• Look for the final package or an explicit “OK to print.”
• If silent, nudge title with a quick, professional message:“Hi [Name]—just checking whether the package is final for the [Date/Time] signing. I’ll print upon your OK.”

T-6 to T-0 hours (your print window)

• Download the latest file.
• Preflight (see checklist below).
• Print, assemble, and secure the set(s).

Preflight Checklist (2–3 Minutes That Save You 30)

1. Confirm version: Verify file name/date, look for “revised,” “final,” or “v2.”
2. Open and scroll every page: Watch for blank scans, rotated pages, or font rendering issues.
3. Spot-check settings:
   • Duplex off (unless told otherwise)
   • “Actual size” / 100% (no scaling)
   • Mixed paper sizes (letter/legal) enabled
4. Test-print one page: If it looks off, fix before printing 150 pages wrong.
5. Page count & tabs: Note total pages and tab key sections (Note, Deed/Mortgage, CD/ALTA, affidavits, RTC).
6. Supplies check: Toner, paper, binder clips, labels, extra envelopes.
7. Security: Prepare locked storage for printed sets.

Handling Last-Minute Changes Without Melting Down

• Ask for the delta: “Can you send just the changed pages with a change log?”
• Reprint strategy: Reprint only affected pages if permitted; otherwise reprint the full set. Follow title instructions.
• Shred outdated pages: Securely destroy superseded copies the same day.
• Document your process: Note the time you received revisions and what you reprinted—helpful for audit trails and your E&O peace of mind.

Secure Storage: Your Non-Negotiables

• At home/office: Locked cabinet or lockable document bag.
• In transit: Documents stay with you; do not leave in a car.
• Disposal: Cross-cut shred outdated or spoiled pages promptly.
• Access control: Limit who can see/handle packages; never photograph or share pages.

Common Trip-Ups (and Fast Fixes)

• “My printer is grabbing everything as letter.”
  Enable “Choose paper source by PDF page size.” Load both letter and legal.
• “The PDF won’t print or crashes.”
  Try re-downloading; print from a different viewer; print in smaller batches (e.g., 50 pages).
• “Pages are cutting off.”
  Turn off “Fit to page.” Use 100% scale.
• “The file is insanely slow.”
  Flatten in the viewer (Print to PDF) if allowed, then print.
• “Toner died at page 142.”
  Swap toner; reprint the last 10–15 pages to ensure density matches.

Special Cases & Exceptions

• Hybrid/eClose: You may receive a smaller print set. Confirm what’s wet-sign vs. eSign.
• Purchase vs. Refinance: Purchases often move faster; confirm funding and recording constraints.
• Same-day rushes: If your window shrinks below 6 hours, double down on preflight + a one-page test print. Communicate ETA early if issues emerge.

FAQs

Q: Can I ever print 24+ hours early?
A: Only if title confirms the package is final and won’t change—and you can store it securely. Even then, expect a reprint risk.

Q: What if title is unresponsive?
A: Send a time-stamped nudge. If you must proceed, print as late as responsible within your 6–12 hour window and be ready to reprint if changes arrive.

Q: Should I bring a backup printer?
A: If you handle high volume or rural signings, a compact backup can be a lifesaver. At minimum, carry spare toner, paper, and a USB cable.

The Bottom Line

Print 6–12 hours before the appointment after you’ve got the final docs or an OK to print. That timing gives you a buffer for unexpected updates and tech hiccups while keeping your security obligations manageable.

Want a quick takeaway? Preflight, print, secure, and shred responsibly. Your future self—and your signers—will thank you.