When you’re selling your home, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall through right before closing. Lately, that’s been happening a little more often, according to Redfin. The good news? With the right agent by your side, you can understand why it happens and take steps to keep it from happening to you.

This past June, about 15% of pending home sales didn’t make it to closing—meaning those buyers walked away from their contracts. That’s only a bit higher than the usual 12% we saw from 2017 to 2019, but it’s still an uptick. And let’s be honest, that’s a headache you’d rather avoid.

The best way to avoid this kind of headache is to understand what’s really causing buyers to back out. A recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) found that the number one reason deals are falling through right now is the home inspection (check out the graph below).

Here’s why: with home prices and mortgage rates already pushing buyers’ budgets, the last thing they want—or can afford—is surprise repair costs.

On top of that, buyers have more choices these days with inventory picking up. So if an inspection uncovers a big issue, many won’t think twice about walking away—after all, there are plenty of other homes out there to choose from.

And if the seller isn’t open to making repairs, buyers might decide to walk away rather than take on the cost—and the hassle—of fixing those problems themselves.

The good news? As a seller, you can get ahead of those surprises by doing a pre-listing inspection. It’s not mandatory, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares why it can be especially helpful in today’s market:

“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 It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing.”

What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?

It’s pretty much what it sounds like—a professional inspection you get done before putting your home on the market. Here’s how it can help:

Get ahead of repairs that count. A pre-listing inspection shows you what might pop up in a buyer’s inspection, giving you the chance to fix those issues before anyone even steps inside.

Steer clear of last-minute renegotiations. If buyers discover surprises after you’re under contract, it can lead to price cuts, repair requests, or even a canceled deal. A pre-listing inspection helps you catch those issues early so they don’t turn into deal breakers.

Prove to buyers you’re serious. When your home is well-kept, move-in ready, and already inspected, it builds trust—and that can mean a quicker sale with less back-and-forth.

The bottom line: spending a few hundred dollars now could save you thousands down the road.

Should Every Seller Do This?

Not always. Your real estate agent can help you figure out what’s best for your home, your situation, and your market. And if you decide a pre-listing inspection is the way to go, your agent will walk you through the whole process. They’ll: