You may have seen headlines saying more buyers are canceling contracts lately, with numbers reaching levels not seen since 2017.
That can sound concerning. But it’s not the same everywhere.
What matters more is this: there’s one main reason deals fall apart, and it’s something you can prepare for.
If you’re thinking about selling, this is where you want to focus first.
The Biggest Dealbreaker Right Now
Most canceled deals come down to what shows up during the inspection.
A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently canceled contracts happened because of issues during the home inspection (see graph below):
That’s not surprising. Buyers today have more choices. They’re not under the same pressure they were a few years ago. And because of that, they’re more careful.
Why This Matters More in Today’s Market
When inventory was tight, buyers were more willing to overlook problems just to secure a home.
That’s no longer the case.
Now, if a home feels like it might come with hidden costs or unexpected repairs, buyers are more likely to walk away and move on to the next option.
That’s why taking care of key issues before you list can make a big difference.
Not everything needs to be fixed. But the right things do.
What Buyers Pay Attention To
Your agent can help you spot what matters most in your specific market.
But according to Zillow, these are some of the issues buyers focus on the most:
- Roof damage or leaks
- Plumbing issues like leaks or water damage
- Electrical problems such as outdated wiring
- HVAC systems that aren’t working properly
- Pest damage, including termites
- Hazardous materials like mold or asbestos
- Safety or code issues
- Structural concerns like foundation cracks or uneven floors
Not all of these will apply to your home.
Maybe it’s just one issue. Maybe none.
The key is knowing what buyers are likely to flag before it shows up in their inspection report.
How a Pre-Listing Inspection Helps
For buyers, these aren’t just repair issues. They affect trust.
Once a buyer starts wondering what else could be wrong, it becomes harder to keep the deal moving forward.
That’s why some sellers choose to do a pre-listing inspection.
It gives you a clear picture of what buyers will see later, so you can plan ahead.
With that information, you can:
- Handle repairs before listing or disclose them upfront
- Avoid last-minute negotiations under pressure
- Give yourself time to find contractors instead of rushing
You don’t need to fix everything. You just need to focus on what actually impacts the sale.
Why Working With an Agent Matters
This is where having the right guidance helps.
An agent can:
- Walk through your home and flag potential concerns
- Help decide if a pre-listing inspection makes sense
- Recommend trusted inspectors and vendors
- Help you decide what to repair and what to credit
- Keep you from over-improving or missing key issues
That kind of planning keeps your sale from getting derailed later.
Bottom Line
Inspection issues are one of the top reasons buyers walk away today.
The good news is you can get ahead of it.
If you take care of the right things before you list, you reduce surprises and keep your deal moving.
If you want help figuring out where to focus, let’s connect and put a plan in place before your home hits the market.
The information and opinions in this article are not investment advice. Tim Stice makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making financial decisions. Tim Stice is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.
Tim Stice, Broker Realtor | Hawaii Life | Maui, Hawaii | Real Estate Agent
