Few things are more stressful than having your home sale fall apart at the last minute, right before closing. After all that waiting and progress, it can feel like everything suddenly falls apart.

But if you’re getting ready to sell, here’s some good news. Even in today’s market, deals rarely fall apart at the last minute. Buyers making a move at today’s rates and prices are often doing so because of a major life change. That means they’re motivated and ready to make it to the closing table.

According to the latest data from Redfin, only about 1 in 7 pending sales are falling through. That means the vast majority are making it all the way to closing.

And the biggest thing that can put a deal at risk is also something you can help prevent. A little smart planning before your home hits the market can go a long way.

Why Some Deals Fall Apart Before Closing

A Redfin survey highlights some of the most common reasons a home sale can hit a snag (see visual below):

Here’s a closer look at each one.

Inspection or repair issues. This is a big one. If the buyer’s inspector finds a problem with the roof, plumbing, foundation, or something else, they may ask you to make repairs, offer a credit, or lower the price. If you can’t reach an agreement, they may decide to walk away.
The buyer’s financing fell through. The buyer’s mortgage needs to be fully approved before closing. If their loan doesn’t come together in time, the sale can’t move forward.
The buyer’s current home didn’t sell. Some buyers need to sell their own home before they can buy yours. If their sale takes longer than expected, it could affect your timeline or even cause them to back out.
A change in the buyer’s financial situation. A new job, a large purchase, or taking on new debt can change what a buyer qualifies for, even after they’ve been pre approved

Where Your Agent Makes the Difference

Some of these things are out of your control, like whether the buyer’s loan gets approved or their current home sells in time. But according to Zillow, there are a few smart steps you can take to help your sale go as smoothly as possible:

Get a pre listing inspection. One of the best ways to avoid surprises is to have your own inspection before the buyer does. This gives you a chance to find any major issues early, fix them if needed, or disclose them upfront. Your agent can help you decide what’s worth addressing and what’s better to simply disclose. Taking care of potential problems early can help reduce the chances of a surprise later.
Look beyond the offer price. The highest offer isn’t always the best one. Your agent can help you look at the full picture, including the buyer’s timeline and any contingencies. If an offer depends on the buyer selling their current home first, your sale is suddenly tied to another deal. Sometimes, a slightly lower offer with fewer conditions may actually be the safer choice.

One of these steps comes into play once you have offers, but the other is something you can take care of right now. A pre listing inspection.

That small upfront cost could save you from a much bigger headache later if a deal falls apart. A pre listing inspection isn’t right for every home or market, but your agent can help you decide if it makes sense based on your home, your local market, and what buyers are looking for.

Sometimes the smartest move is simply being prepared ahead of time.