If there was a single step that could make your home sale more seamless and stress-free… wouldn’t you want to know about it?
From the moment your home goes under contract to the day you sign at the closing table, there are a lot of moving parts. Even with a strong offer, a few key checkpoints still have to go well for the deal to stay on track. What many sellers don’t realize is that there’s one stage of the process that causes the most unexpected setbacks—and in today’s market, it’s where some contracts fall apart.
The good news? With the right preparation and guidance, most of these challenges are completely avoidable.
That’s where working with an experienced agent makes all the difference.
Why Some Buyers Are Walking Away
According to recent data from Redfin, 15% of pending home sales are falling through. That’s only slightly higher than the traditional average (around 12%), but it’s enough to create frustration, especially for sellers who assumed the hard part was already done.
While 1 in 7 deals may not close…
6 in 7 do.
And when sellers go into the process prepared, the odds are even better.
Most people assume financing is the culprit. Surprisingly, it’s not.
Inspection and repair issues are the #1 reason buyers back out.
Here’s why buyers are more sensitive to inspection surprises right now:
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Prices and interest rates have stretched budgets; buyers don’t have room for unexpected repairs.
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Today’s buyers want move-in ready. If they’re investing that much, they don’t want to take on extra projects.
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Inventory has increased. If one house feels like a hassle, they can easily pivot to another.
Sellers who understand this shift have a clear advantage and many are taking a proactive step before they even hit the market.
The Pre-Listing Inspection: Your Selling Advantage
A pre-listing inspection is exactly what it sounds like:
a professional home inspection completed before your home officially goes on the market. Think of it as knowing the answers before the test.
A pre-listing inspection allows you to:
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Identify issues before a buyer ever walks through the door
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Decide what to repair and what to disclose
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Eliminate last-minute negotiations or panic
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Present your home with confidence
When the buyer’s inspector arrives, there are no surprises because you’ve already handled them.
Is It Worth It?
A pre-listing inspection usually costs only a few hundred dollars, but the value is significant. Before moving forward, talk with your agent. What makes the most sense depends on:
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Current local market trends
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Buyer expectations in your area
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Inventory levels and competition
A trusted agent will help you:
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Identify which repairs are necessary (and which aren’t)
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Prioritize improvements based on buyer demand
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Connect with reputable contractors
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Understand what needs to be disclosed
This single proactive step can save you time, stress, and potentially your deal.
Set the Stage for Success
When you’re selling, surprises aren’t exciting, they’re expensive. A pre-listing inspection helps you stay in control by eliminating last-minute issues before they derail your deal.
The result? More confidence. Better preparation. A stronger position from day one.
If you’re ready to sell with strategy and clarity, we’ll help you decide if a pre-listing inspection fits your plan.
Tucker Realty Group: guiding you through every milestone with confidence and expertise.
