Most Home Sales Close. Here's How to Keep Yours on Track
Worried your sale will fall apart at the last minute? Don't be. Redfin data shows only about 1 in 7 pending sales fall through — the vast majority make it to the closing table. But when a deal does blow up, it's usually for the same reason.
Source: Redfin survey of agents. Agents could name more than one reason, so the percentages add up to more than 100%.
Why deals fall through
- Inspection or repair issues. The most common cause by far — more than the next three reasons combined. A problem found during inspection can lead to repair requests, credits, price cuts, or a buyer who walks.
- Financing falls through. The buyer's loan isn't approved in time.
- The buyer's home doesn't sell. If they need that sale to close on yours, delays or failures can derail your timeline.
- The buyer's financial situation changes. A new job, a big purchase, or new debt can affect loan approval even after pre-approval.
What that looks like around here
In Milford, Holliston, Upton and the older towns across Worcester County and the Blackstone Valley, the inspection surprises tend to be the same three things: oil tanks, septic, and knob-and-tube wiring. None of them have to kill a deal — if you know about them first.
How to protect your sale
- Get a pre-listing inspection. Find and address issues before a buyer's inspector does, so nothing derails you mid-contract. Your agent can help you decide what to fix versus disclose.
- Weigh the whole offer, not just the price. Contingencies — like a buyer needing to sell their own home first — add risk. A slightly lower offer with fewer strings attached is often the safer bet.
Bottom line: most sales close, and the biggest risk factor is one you can get ahead of. Watch the 60-second version: The Home Inspection Kills More Deals Than Price Ever Will.
Want the specifics for your situation?
Numbers like these change fast. Give me a call when you get a sec and I'll walk you through what it means for you right now.
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