When you sell a house, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing. But according to recent data, that’s happening more often than usual.
The good news is: it’s completely avoidable if you understand why contracts fall through and how to protect yourself as a seller.
In June, about 15% of pending home sales didn’t make it to the finish line. That’s slightly higher than the usual 12% we’ve seen in past years.
So, what’s driving this trend?
Inspection Issues: The number one reason deals collapse is because of problems uncovered during the home inspection. With high home prices and mortgage rates already stretching buyers’ budgets, they have less flexibility when unexpected repair costs pop up.
More Choices for Buyers: With more inventory on the market, buyers don’t feel locked into one property. If your home inspection reveals major issues, they may decide to walk away and pursue another option.
Repair Disagreements: If sellers refuse to handle repairs—or buyers don’t want the added expense of fixing them—contracts can unravel quickly.
Fortunately, there’s a proactive way to avoid these headaches: getting a pre-listing inspection.
This is a professional inspection you schedule before putting your home on the market. While it’s not required, it can make a big difference. Here’s why it works:
Gives You Time To Fix Issues: You’ll know upfront what repairs might concern buyers, giving you time to address them on your terms.
Prevents Last-Minute Surprises: By uncovering potential deal-breakers early, you can avoid last-minute renegotiations or canceled contracts.
Builds Buyer Confidence: When buyers see you’ve already had the home inspected and maintained, it builds trust and makes your property stand out.
A few hundred dollars for an inspection now can save you thousands in unexpected costs—or even a lost deal—later.
Not necessarily. Whether it’s the right move depends on your home, your market, and your situation. That’s where your real estate agent comes in. They can:
Advise on which repairs are worth tackling before listing
Help you decide whether to fix or disclose each issue
Ensure you’re meeting all local disclosure requirements
If you want to minimize the risk of a deal falling apart, a pre-listing inspection could be your best strategy. Talk to your real estate agent to see if it’s the right move for your home.
Would you rather discover a major repair now—when you have time to handle it on your terms—or after you’re under contract, when your options are limited?
📞 To connect with me directly, call 917-254-2103.
📘 For your FREE Home Evaluation, Homeowner Resource Guide, or Home Buying/Down Payment Assistance Guide, use this link: https://bit.ly/45URvuV or text HomeswithJustin to 85377.
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To connect with me directly, contact me at 917-254-2103. For your FREE Home evaluation to learn the value of your home, your Homeowner Resource Guide, or your Home Buying/Down Payment Assistance Guide, use this link: https://bit.ly/45URvuV or text Ho
Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market? Maybe you’ve even seen or heard something lately that scares you and makes you wonder if you should still buy or sell a home right now. Regrettabl
It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. And that flexibility gave a lot of people the freedom to move — and work — from wherever they wanted. But now, a growing number of companies are requiring employees