When you’re selling a house, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall through right before closing. Lately, Redfin's latest data shows this is happening more often. The good news? You can avoid this by working with an agent who understands why deals fall apart and can guide you to keep yours on track.

This June, about 15% of pending home sales didn’t go through, meaning those buyers decided to back out of their contracts. That’s a bit higher than the usual rate of around 12% we saw between 2017 and 2019. While it’s not a huge jump, it’s still an increase—and definitely something you want to avoid.

The best way to avoid this headache is to understand what's making buyers back out. A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) shows that the top reason deals are falling through right now is due to issues found during the home inspection (see graph below).

Here’s the thing: with prices and mortgage rates so high, buyers are already stretched thin and don’t want to deal with surprise repairs.

Buyers have more choices these days since there are more homes available. So, if an inspection reveals a big problem, they might decide to walk away because there are plenty of other homes they can consider instead.

If the seller doesn’t want to handle repairs, the buyer might decide to walk away because they don’t want to deal with the cost and hassle of fixing things themselves.

Here’s the good news: as a seller, you can avoid any unexpected issues by getting a pre-listing inspection. It’s not a requirement, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) points out why it’s especially useful these days.

““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 It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing.”
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— National Association of Realtors (NAR)

What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?

A pre-market home inspection is just what it sounds like—a professional check-up of your home that you arrange before putting it on the market. Here’s how it can help you:

• Tackle repairs before they’re a problem. A pre-listing inspection lets you know what might pop up later, so you can fix the important stuff ahead of time.

• Skip the stress of last-minute surprises. When buyers find issues mid-deal, it often means price drops, repair requests, or even a canceled contract. Getting ahead of it now helps you avoid all that.

• Show buyers you mean business. A well-kept home that’s already been checked out builds confidence. It tells buyers you’re serious, which can lead to faster offers and smoother negotiations.

Here’s the deal: spending a few hundred dollars now can actually save you thousands down the road.

Should Every Seller Do This?

Not always. Your real estate agent is there to help you figure out what works best for your situation, your home, and the local market. If you choose to go with a pre-listing inspection, your agent will be with you every step of the way. They’ll:

• Guide you on what to fix and what to simply disclose.

• Help you focus on the repairs that matter most to buyers in your market.

• Make sure you’re clear on the disclosure rules in your area so you stay protected.

Bottom Line

If you want to steer clear of any surprises during your sale, getting a pre-listing inspection might be a smart choice. Let’s chat about whether this step makes sense for your home and the current market conditions.

Would you prefer to learn about a big repair ahead of time, so you can deal with it on your schedule, or wait until you’re already under contract and running out of time?