3 Deal Breakers That Can Kill Your Home Sale

By Ted Holmes

A lifelong resident of Chappaqua, Ted began his career as a mortgage loan officer over 20 years ago, eventually co-owning The Asset Center, Inc., a mortgage brokerage firm in Armonk, NY.

You’ve found a buyer, agreed on a price, and feel like the hard part is over. But before the contract is signed, a single misstep can cause the deal to fall apart. I’ve seen great offers vanish overnight, leaving sellers frustrated and back at square one. If you’re planning to sell, here’s what you need to know to keep your deal alive and your home moving toward closing.

The danger of inspection surprises. Most failed deals start with the inspection. A buyer may fall in love with your home, but once the report uncovers repairs, even small ones, they start imagining big costs and back away. This is why I recommend a pre-listing inspection. Addressing problems before you list usually costs less and gives you the upper hand during negotiations. Buyers also tend to overestimate repair expenses, so removing surprises early can keep them confident and committed.

The problem of buyer’s remorse. In today’s fast-paced market, buyers often feel pressured to act quickly, offer more than the asking price, or waive contingencies to secure the deal. Once the excitement wears off, some realize they weren’t fully ready and pull out. To avoid this, I take the time to qualify buyers and their agents carefully. Ensuring they’re motivated and financially prepared significantly reduces the risk of a last-minute change of heart.

Family opinions can derail the process. Parents or relatives often step in to offer advice, especially if they’re helping with the down payment. While they mean well, their opinions can cause doubt or hesitation. A skilled agent can spot these situations early and step in with clear communication and solid information to keep the deal moving forward.

Plan ahead for a smooth closing. You can’t control every decision a buyer makes, but you can lower the chances of a deal collapsing. By addressing inspection issues, qualifying buyers, and anticipating outside influences, you safeguard your investment and enhance your chances of a successful sale.

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make. Don’t risk starting over because of problems you could have prevented. Call me today and let’s make sure your sale stays on track. Reach me at (914) 548-6179, email ted.holmes@raveis.com, or visittheholmesteamny.com to get started with a plan that keeps your deal strong from start to finish.