You may have seen headlines on social media saying more buyers are backing out of their contracts, and that the number has reached the highest level since 2017. That can definitely sound a little intimidating at first. But the reality is, it really depends on the market.
Here’s the key thing to understand if you’re planning to sell. Many times, there’s one common reason this happens, and it’s something you can actually control.
Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever turns into a problem.
The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection
A survey from Redfin shows that more than 70% of recently canceled contracts happened because of issues that came up during the home inspection (see graph below).
And that makes sense because today’s buyers have something they didn’t have a couple of years ago: options.
Why Fixing Things Before You List Matters More Today
A few years ago, when buyers felt rushed or limited by the small number of homes for sale, they were more willing to overlook issues.
But in today’s market, ignoring important repairs is one of the quickest ways to lose a deal.
Now that buyers have more homes to choose from, they can be pickier. If a house feels risky, outdated, or like it might have costly surprises, they’re much more likely to walk away. So what needs fixing? Just ask an agent.
How Your Agent Can Help Give You the Edge
A local agent can walk through your home and give advice on what to focus on, based on your house, your market, and what buyers care about most in your area. They also know firsthand what tends to turn buyers off, and you can use that expertise to avoid problems down the road.
For example, Zillow points out some of the issues buyers care about most:
Roof problems like leaks or sagging
Plumbing issues such as leaks, standing water, or water damage
Electrical concerns, including outdated or exposed wiring and missing GFCI outlets
HVAC problems, like units that don’t work
Pest or insect damage, including termite infestations
Hazardous materials such as lead, mold, or asbestos
Safety or code issues, like missing smoke detectors or windows that won’t open
Structural problems, including foundation cracks or sagging floors
Chances are, not all of this will even apply to your home. Maybe just one or two things matter, or maybe none at all. It really depends. An agent has the tools and resources to help you figure it out and stay one step ahead.
The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection
To buyers, these aren’t just cosmetic issues—they’re trust issues. That’s what you need to be aware of today. Once buyers start thinking “what else could be wrong,” it’s tough to regain momentum.
That’s why some agents are recommending a pre-listing inspection—it gives you a sneak peek at what buyers will see during their own inspection. With that insight, you can:
Take care of any issues before listing or disclose them upfront
Avoid having to negotiate or respond under pressure
Stop scrambling to find contractors right before your closing date
But remember, you don’t have to fix everything. It’s all about being strategic so neither you nor your buyer gets caught off guard.
That’s why having an agent is so helpful—they can:
Determine if a pre-listing inspection makes sense in your area
Recommend a trusted inspector if you choose to get one
Go over the results with you to pinpoint the real dealbreakers in your market
Help you decide what to repair or what to offer as a credit
Make sure you don’t overspend or under-prepare
Bottom Line
One of the biggest dealbreakers for buyers today is inspection issues—and the good news is that’s something you can control. Being proactive about the most important repairs before you list can make all the difference.
If you want help knowing where to focus, let’s connect and make sure your sale stays on track from the very beginning.
