The One Simple Step That Can Make Your Home Sale Go Smoothly
If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale a seamless process, wouldn’t you want to know about it?
Selling your home involves a lot of moving parts — from accepting an offer to signing the final papers on closing day. And while most deals make it through just fine, some sellers hit unexpected snags along the way. The good news? Many of those problems are totally preventable.
That’s where a great agent (and a little preparation) can make all the difference.
Why Some Home Sales Fall Through
According to recent data from Redfin, about 15% of pending home sales are falling through before closing — a slight increase from the pre-pandemic norm of around 12%.
That means roughly 1 in 7 deals don’t make it to the finish line. But the flip side is encouraging: 6 out of 7 do. And with the right preparation, you can boost your chances of a smooth, stress-free closing.
You might assume the biggest issue is financing — but that’s not the top deal breaker right now.
The main culprit? Inspection and repair issues.
Here’s why that’s such a sticking point for buyers today:
Buyers are already stretched thin with high prices and interest rates.
They want move-in-ready homes, not unexpected repair projects.
With more listings on the market, they can simply walk away if something feels like too much work.
The Secret Weapon: A Pre-Listing Inspection
One smart way to prevent those issues? Schedule a pre-listing inspection before putting your home on the market.
A pre-listing inspection is exactly what it sounds like — a professional inspection done before your home is listed. And while it’s not required, it can be a game-changer for sellers.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains that this step can:
“...allow 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 It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof, or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing.”
In other words, it’s a proactive move that can save you time, money, and stress later on.
Why It’s Worth Considering
A pre-listing inspection typically costs just a few hundred dollars — but the insight it gives you is priceless. You’ll know in advance what issues could arise, so you can fix them or disclose them upfront. That means:
No surprise problems during the buyer’s inspection
No last-minute repair negotiations
No deals falling apart at the eleventh hour
Before moving forward, talk with your real estate agent. Depending on your market, a pre-listing inspection may or may not be necessary. Your agent can help you:
Decide which repairs are worth tackling
Prioritize updates that appeal most to local buyers
Connect with trusted contractors
Ensure you’re following local disclosure laws
The Bottom Line
If there was one step that could help your home sale go according to plan, would you take it?
A pre-listing inspection could be that step. It helps you stay ahead of potential problems, so you can sell your home confidently — without unwanted surprises.
Thinking about selling? Let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your home and market.
📞 Reach out today to get started and make your sale a smooth success!
