How To Prevent Your Home Sale From Falling Through

By Jeff Hernandez, Realtor & Attorney — The Connie Colla Group at RETSY

Selling a home is exciting. But a signed contract isn’t the finish line. Between inspections, appraisals, and financing, deals can fall through. The key is to get ahead of the risk and keep momentum throughout the escrow period until closing.

Nationwide, about 15% of home-purchase agreements were canceled in September 2025, the highest pace for that time of year since Redfin began tracking the metric in 2017. What this proves is that smart preparation matters more than ever.

Top Reasons Home Sales Fall Through — Inspection Findings Lead the List

The #1 deal killer is inspection or repair issues. In a recent Redfin survey of agents, 70.4% said inspection/repair issues caused fall-throughs, well ahead of financing and other factors. Buyers are stretched by prices and rates, so surprise repairs often feel like a bridge too far.

Pro Tip: If you are a seller, share what you know about your home's condition. When buyers see proactive disclosure and receipts for recent work, they lean in rather than walk away.

Why Inspection Problems Hit Hard Right Now

Today’s buyers want move-in ready. Elevated costs leave little room for unexpected fixes. If an inspection reveals a failing roof, an outdated panel, or plumbing damage, many buyers pivot to the next house rather than renegotiate. A transparent, preemptive approach can prevent that.

The National Association of Realtors® notes that pre-listing inspections help sellers address repairs before the sign goes up, avoiding “surprises” that can strain budgets and cause buyers to bolt.

What is a Pre-Listing Inspection and Why It Works

A pre-listing inspection is a professional inspection before you go to market. It gives you a clear punch list, lets you fix or disclose on your terms, and builds buyer confidence from day one. It can also help with an appraisal and reduce the need for renegotiations during escrow.

Home inspection costs can range from approximately $300 on up, depending on home size and location. That small investment often pays for itself in time saved and deals kept intact.

Pro Tip: Prioritize fixes that matter in your price band and neighborhood. Your agent can tell you which repairs influence offers and appraisals—and which can be disclosed rather than repaired.

When a Pre-Listing Inspection Makes the Most Sense

A Pre-Listing Inspection isn’t mandatory, and in some ultra-hot micro-markets, you may not need one. But it’s especially valuable when:

• Your home is older or shows deferred maintenance.
• You’re in a buyer-friendly or competitive segment where small issues send buyers elsewhere.
• You’re in luxury price points, where expectations are exacting and time kills deals.

If your market is shifting — and many are — cancellations can spike as leverage swings. Getting out in front of objections keeps you in control.

Pro Tip: If you don’t do a full pre-listing inspection, consider targeted checks (roof, HVAC, sewer scope, pool) where repairs can be costly or time-consuming.

How the Right Agent Keeps Your Home Sale on Track

The right representation makes the complex feel simple. A seasoned Realtor® will:

• Sequence and scope repairs that actually move the needle.
• Recommend vetted inspectors and contractors and keep timelines tight.
• Manage disclosures to reduce liability and buyer anxiety.
• Coordinate milestones (inspection, appraisal, loan approval, title) so nothing impedes the escrow process.

Pro Tip: Ask your agent for a simple “contract-to-close” timeline. Clear dates and transparent owner/agent tasks reduce stress and prevent last-minute delays.

Bottom Line: Preparation Protects Your Sale

Most home sales still close successfully. Yours can, too. The playbook is simple: prepare early, disclose clearly, price precisely, and partner with a pro. You’ll enter escrow with leverage—and exit with a closed sale.