Home sellers in Connecticut reviewing a pre-listing inspection report with their real estate agent, preparing to avoid contract issues before closing.

Why Some Home Sale Contracts Are Falling Through—And How We Can Stay Ahead

August 27, 2025•4 min read

Hi friends, it’s Melinda here. Selling your home is a big step, and naturally, you want the process to move smoothly all the way to closing. The last thing any seller wants is for a deal to fall apart at the finish line. Lately, though, we’ve been seeing that happen more often. But here’s the good news—you and I can take steps together to help keep your sale on track.

According to recent data from Redfin, about 15% of pending sales in June didn’t make it to closing. That’s a bit higher than the 12% average we saw between 2017 and 2019. While the difference may not sound huge, it’s still something you’d rather not face when it’s your home on the line.

So let’s talk about what’s really causing these hiccups—and what we can do to prevent them.

Why Inspections Are Causing Deals to Fall Apart

A survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) points to one clear reason contracts are falling through right now: home inspections 🛠️.

"Bar chart showing top reasons real estate contracts fell through in June, based on a nationwide survey of agents. Inspection issues lead at 28%, followed by buyers or sellers getting cold feet at 23%, financing issues at 14% and 13%, outbid by another buyer at 13%, appraisal issues at 5%, title issues at 1%, and other reasons at 4%. Source: Keeping Current Matters, JBREC."

Here’s why. Buyers are already stretching their budgets with today’s home prices and mortgage rates. That means unexpected repair costs feel overwhelming. Add in the fact that there are more homes available today, and many buyers feel like they can simply move on to the next property if something major pops up in an inspection.

And if the seller isn’t willing or able to make those repairs, buyers may not want the stress or expense of taking them on themselves. That’s when deals sometimes collapse.

How a Pre-Listing Inspection Can Help

The encouraging part? There’s a way to stay ahead of those surprises—by scheduling a pre-listing inspection before your home ever hits the market. While it’s not required, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it can be so beneficial:

“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.”

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection?

Think of it as a proactive step: hiring a professional inspector to evaluate your home before buyers come through the door. Here’s how it can protect you:

✅ Time to handle repairs upfront. You’ll know about issues before a buyer does, giving you a chance to fix them on your own timeline.
✅ Fewer last-minute renegotiations. Surprises uncovered after you’re under contract often lead to concessions—or worse, a canceled deal. A pre-listing inspection helps you sidestep those roadblocks.
✅ Builds buyer confidence. When buyers see a well-maintained home with a recent inspection, it sends a message: you care about your home and you’ve been proactive. That trust can make the path to closing much smoother.

The truth is, a few hundred dollars invested now could save you thousands later—and help you avoid the stress of a deal falling apart.

Is This the Right Choice for Every Seller?

Not always. Whether a pre-listing inspection is a smart move for you depends on your home, your goals, and the local market. That’s where I come in. Together, we’ll decide whether it makes sense and create a clear plan.

Here’s how I guide my clients through this decision:

I’ll help you weigh whether each issue should be repaired or disclosed.
We’ll prioritize which fixes matter most to buyers in your area.
I’ll ensure you understand and comply with your local disclosure requirements.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home doesn’t have to come with unpleasant surprises. By planning ahead—whether that includes a pre-listing inspection or simply being prepared for the process—you’ll feel more confident every step of the way.

And remember, it’s always better to find out about a potential repair now, when we can tackle it on your terms, rather than after you’re under contract with the clock ticking.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s talk about the best approach for your home and your market. Together, we can make sure you’re prepared, protected, and ready for a smooth path to closing.

📞 Call me at 860-985-4363 or head to melindatherealtor.com for your free consultation.
💬 Never too busy for you to be my #1 client

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Melinda Walencewicz

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