If there were one simple step that could make your home sale smoother and more predictable, wouldn’t you want to know about it?
A lot happens between the moment your house goes under contract and the day you close. Several things need to go right for the deal to stay on track. What many sellers don’t realize is that most hiccups during this stage can actually be prevented.
That’s where the right agent and a little preparation can make all the difference.
What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out
According to the latest data from Redfin, about 15% of pending home sales are falling through. While that’s only slightly higher than the 12% average seen between 2017 and 2019, it’s still a noticeable increase.
In other words, roughly 1 in 7 deals today doesn’t make it to closing. But here’s the good news: 6 out of 7 do. Most sellers won’t face this issue, and with the right preparation, you can make it even less likely.
You might assume that buyers are backing out due to financing issues, but that’s not the main reason. The biggest deal breakers today are inspection and repair problems (see graph below).
Here’s why these issues are such a challenge right now:
- Buyers are already stretched by higher home prices and mortgage rates, leaving less room for unexpected repairs.
- Many want move-in ready homes rather than projects that add more time and cost.
- With more listings available, buyers can easily walk away and choose another home.
The sellers who succeed in today’s market know this and are taking proactive steps to avoid problems before they start. That’s where a pre-listing inspection comes in.
What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your house on the market. It’s not required, but it can be a smart move.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it can help sellers:
“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 It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing.”
Think of it as a way to eliminate surprises. You’ll know what issues might come up during the buyer’s inspection and have the chance to fix them or disclose them early.
That means when the buyer’s inspection happens, you’re ready. No hidden problems. No last-minute scrambling. No deal falling apart at the finish line.
Is It Worth It?
A pre-listing inspection usually costs just a few hundred dollars, but the value it provides can be significant. Before you decide, talk to your local real estate agent.
In some markets, this step might not be necessary. In others, it could give you a major advantage. Your agent can help you decide based on what’s working for other sellers in your area. If they recommend doing one, they’ll also:
- Help you determine which repairs to focus on
- Prioritize updates based on what local buyers care about most
- Connect you with trusted contractors to handle the work
- Make sure you comply with disclosure laws in your area
Taking this proactive step can help you avoid unexpected delays and keep your sale on schedule.
Bottom Line
If there’s one simple way to help your home sale go according to plan, a pre-listing inspection might be it.
Instead of dealing with surprises once you’re already under contract, you can handle them on your terms. Let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your home so you can enter the market confident, prepared, and in control.
