More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead.

When you sell a house, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing. But according to the latest data from Redfin, that’s happening a bit more often lately.

The good news? It’s completely avoidable if you lean on an agent for insight into why that is — and how to keep it from happening to you.

The Growing Trend

This June, 15% of pending home sales fell through.
That means those buyers backed out of their contracts. While that’s not dramatically higher than the 12% norm from 2017–2019, it’s still an increase — and one you don’t want to face.

The key to avoiding this headache is understanding what’s causing buyers to walk away.

A recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) found that the #1 reason deals are falling apart today comes down to the home inspection (see graph below).

Why Inspections Are Causing Issues

With high prices and mortgage rates stretching budgets, buyers simply don’t have much room (or appetite) for unexpected repairs.

Plus, with more homes on the market, buyers have options.
If an inspection turns up a major issue, they can easily move on to another home.
And if sellers aren’t willing to fix problems, buyers may back out to avoid the cost and hassle of handling repairs themselves.

The Solution: Get a Pre-Listing Inspection

The best way to stay ahead of surprises?
Schedule a pre-listing inspection before you go on the market.

It’s not required, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it’s a smart move:

“To keep deals from unraveling... it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof, or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing.”

What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?

It’s exactly what it sounds like — a professional home inspection you schedule before your home hits the market.

Here’s what it can do for you:

• Give you time to fix what matters
  You’ll know what issues could appear in the buyer’s inspection and can address them proactively.
• Avoid last-minute renegotiations
  Unexpected issues after going under contract can lead to concessions, price drops, or even canceled deals. A pre-listing inspection helps prevent that.
• Show buyers you’re serious
  A clean, well-maintained home that’s already vetted builds trust — and can help you sell faster with fewer back-and-forth negotiations.

💡 The bottom line: a few hundred dollars upfront can save you thousands later.

Should Every Seller Do This?

Not necessarily.
Your real estate agent can help you decide if it makes sense for your home, your market, and your goals.

If you do move forward, your agent will guide you every step of the way — including how to:

• Advise on whether to fix or disclose each issue
• Prioritize repairs based on what local buyers care about
• Ensure you understand your disclosure laws

Bottom Line

If you want to avoid potential snags in your deal, a pre-listing inspection could be the way to go.

Let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection is the right move for your house and your market.

Would you rather find out about a major repair now — when you can handle it on your terms — or after you’re under contract, when the clock is ticking?