How exactly does a government shutdown affect real estate? So long as it doesn't drag on too long, the main and immediate impact is the slow down or temporary postponement of the origination of some mortgages and other real estate loans. And that can be very significant since most real estate closings involve a buyer obtaining a loan. If the loan doesn't fund, the deal doesn't close and that's usually bad news for all the parties involved. The following provides you with very specific details on which loans are affected and how; so that you can be prepared and make adjustments accordingly.