More Home Deals are Falling Through – Here's How Smart Sellers Can Stay Ahead

Selling your home is already stressful enough, right? The last thing you want is for your deal to collapse right before closing. Unfortunately, that scenario is becoming more common. According to fresh data from Redfin, more home sales are falling apart than in previous years.

But here’s the thing—most of these issues are completely avoidable if you understand what’s causing them and how to get ahead. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today.

Why Are More Home Sales Falling Through?

Imagine getting your house under contract, only to have the buyer back out at the last minute. Heartbreaking, right? Well, that’s happening more often these days.

In June, about 15% of pending home sales fell through. While that’s only a slight jump from the typical 12% average in 2017–2019, it’s still a red flag for sellers. Why? Because every failed contract wastes time, money, and energy.

So, what’s driving this uptick?

The #1 Deal Killer: The Home Inspection

According to a recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), the biggest reason buyers are walking away is—you guessed it—home inspections.

Here’s why inspections are becoming such a sticking point:

• Tight budgets: With today’s high mortgage rates and steep home prices, buyers don’t have much wiggle room for surprise repairs.

• More competition in the market: Buyers have more homes to choose from right now. If they find a serious issue in yours, they can simply move on to another property.

• Unwilling sellers: If the seller refuses to fix or negotiate repairs, many buyers decide the headache isn’t worth it.

In short, inspections can either make or break your deal. But don’t panic—there’s a solution.

The Secret Weapon: A Pre-Listing Inspection

Here’s how savvy sellers are staying ahead: by getting a pre-listing inspection.

If you’ve never heard of it, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a professional inspection of your home before you even put it on the market. Think of it like checking under the hood before you sell your car—you want to know what’s wrong before the buyer points it out.

How a Pre-Listing Inspection Helps You

1. Identify and fix issues early
   You’ll know upfront what problems could pop up during the buyer’s inspection. This gives you time to fix major repairs—or at least prepare for them—before any surprises derail your deal.

2. Avoid last-minute renegotiations
   Nothing’s worse than having your home under contract, only for the buyer to demand a big price cut or costly repairs. By addressing issues beforehand, you reduce the chances of stressful back-and-forth negotiations.

3. Build buyer trust
   A home that’s already inspected and well-maintained signals to buyers that you’re serious. It makes your property more appealing and can even help it sell faster.

4. Save money in the long run
   Spending a few hundred dollars on an inspection might feel like a hassle, but it can save you thousands later—especially if it prevents a deal from falling through.

Should Every Seller Get a Pre-Listing Inspection?

Here’s the honest truth: not every seller needs one.

Sometimes it makes more sense to skip it—especially if your home is relatively new or already in top shape. That’s why it’s important to lean on your real estate agent. They can help you decide whether a pre-listing inspection is worth the investment in your specific market.

If you do move forward, your agent will also guide you on:

• Which issues to fix and which to simply disclose

• How to prioritize repairs based on what local buyers care about

• Ensuring compliance with your state’s disclosure laws

Bottom line? It’s not a one-size-fits-all strategy. But in many cases, it can be a game-changer.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Think of selling your home like running a marathon. You don’t want to stumble just before crossing the finish line. A pre-listing inspection is like having the right shoes, hydration, and prep—it keeps you from falling short when it matters most.

Wouldn’t you rather find out about a major issue before your home hits the market—when you have control—than after you’re under contract, when buyers hold all the cards?

Final Thoughts

More deals are falling through these days, but that doesn’t mean yours has to. By being proactive, leaning on your agent, and considering a pre-listing inspection, you can dramatically increase your chances of a smooth, stress-free closing.

At the end of the day, selling a home is about building confidence—both yours and the buyer’s. And nothing builds trust like transparency.

So ask yourself: Do I want to risk surprises later, or tackle them head-on now? The choice is yours, but the smartest sellers are choosing to get ahead.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re planning to list your home soon, talk to your real estate agent about whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense in your market. It could be the key to selling faster, with fewer headaches, and at the price you deserve.