Sell your House Faster
If there were one simple step that could make selling your home a smoother, more seamless process, wouldn’t you want to know what it is?
Selling a home involves a lot of moving parts. From the moment you accept an offer to the day you sign at closing, dozens of details must fall into place. Most sales go off without a hitch, but sometimes things happen along the way that can cause a deal to fall apart.
Here’s the good news: many of these problems are completely avoidable. When you understand where things tend to go wrong and prepare in advance, you can take steps that keep your sale on track and stress-free. That’s where working with an experienced real estate agent and taking a few smart precautions can make all the difference.
Why Some Buyers Are Walking Away
According to recent data from Redfin, about 15% of pending home sales are falling through before closing. That number is slightly higher than the 12% average from 2017 through 2019, so while it’s not a huge spike, it’s still enough to make sellers pay attention.
In other words, roughly one in seven home sales doesn’t make it to the closing table. The good news is that six out of seven do. Most sellers never experience this issue, but if you want to lower your odds even further, it helps to understand what’s driving these cancellations.
You might assume the main reason buyers are backing out is due to financing challenges, but surprisingly, that’s not the biggest culprit. The number one reason sales fall through right now is inspection and repair problems.
Here’s why that has become such a deal breaker for buyers today:
- Many buyers are already stretched thin by high home prices and elevated mortgage rates, leaving little financial cushion for surprise repairs.
- When they’re paying top dollar, they want a home that feels move-in ready, not a fixer-upper waiting for another round of expenses.
- With more homes on the market, buyers feel less pressure to compromise. If your property seems like too much work or you refuse to make repairs, they can easily move on to another option.
Savvy sellers—and the agents who represent them—have taken notice of this trend and are finding ways to get ahead of it. One increasingly popular solution is the pre-listing inspection.
What Exactly Is a Pre-Listing Inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is exactly what it sounds like: a professional home inspection that you schedule before putting your house on the market. While it’s not required, it can be a powerful tool for reducing stress later in the process.
The National Association of Realtors explains it well:
“To keep deals from unraveling, a pre-listing inspection 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.”
Think of it as your opportunity to uncover potential problems before the buyer does. You’ll get a clear picture of your home’s condition, decide what needs fixing, and choose what to disclose upfront. That way, when a buyer’s inspector arrives later, you’re prepared.
No surprises. No last-minute scrambling. No panicked calls wondering if the deal will fall apart.
Is It Worth the Cost?
A pre-listing inspection typically costs a few hundred dollars, depending on the size and location of your home. For many sellers, that small investment pays off by saving time, money, and headaches later.
However, it’s not always necessary for every market or property. Before scheduling one, talk to your local real estate agent. They know what buyers in your area expect and can help you decide whether this step makes sense for your situation.
If your agent recommends it, they can also:
- Help you prioritize which issues to fix before listing.
- Advise you on what buyers in your area care about most.
- Connect you with trusted repair professionals.
- Make sure you understand local disclosure requirements.
Taking the time to do this preparation can prevent delays, renegotiations, and deal-breaking surprises later in the process.
And in Conclusion
If there were one simple step that could help you sell your home with confidence, wouldn’t you take it?
A pre-listing inspection gives you control. It helps you avoid unwelcome surprises, keeps buyers confident, and increases your chances of a smooth, successful sale.
Talk to your real estate agent about whether it’s the right move for your market and your home. A little preparation today could mean a faster sale, fewer headaches, and a closing process that feels effortless from start to finish.