Keep Your Home Sale on Track: Avoid These Common Deal Breakers

by Albert Chen

Getting your house under contract is exciting — but making it to the closing table is where it really counts.

According to recent Redfin data, about 15% of pending home sales are falling through today (compared to 12% before 2020). That means roughly 1 in 7 deals never close. The good news? Most of these setbacks are completely avoidable — especially when sellers prepare strategically.

So what’s causing buyers to back out?

👉 It’s not financing — it’s inspection and repair issues.

Here’s why this matters in today’s Central Texas real estate market:

Buyers are stretched thin by higher home prices and interest rates.

They expect move-in ready homes, not surprise repair lists.

With more inventory available, they can easily walk away and find another home.

💡 Pro Tip for Sellers:

A little preparation goes a long way. Before listing your home:

✔ Get a roofer to check for potential issues.

✔ Test all sprinkler systems, electrical components, and plumbing fixtures to ensure they’re functioning properly.

✔ Open and close every window and door to confirm smooth operation.

These small steps can prevent big inspection headaches later.

However, I generally don’t recommend a full pre-listing inspection for two reasons:

1️⃣ Once you receive a report, you’re legally obligated to share it with every buyer.

2️⃣ Minor issues that most buyers wouldn’t care about could make your home appear less maintained than it actually is.

Every home and market is different — that’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced local Realtor who knows what buyers look for and how to help your home shine before it ever hits the market.

📲 Thinking about selling your home in Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, or Jarrell? Let’s talk about how to make your sale smooth, fast, and stress-free