By David Parks · eXp Realty · The Apollo Group · 2 min read
Most home sales still close. Redfin and Cotality report that roughly 10 to 15 percent of contracts are canceled, and sellers can reduce the risk by preparing for the most common reasons.
Mortgage rates are stretching budgets, and with more homes to choose from, buyers feel freer to walk away if an inspection finds problems, an appraisal comes in low, or a seller will not agree to concessions.
A Redfin survey of agents found:
| Key point | What it means |
|---|---|
| Inspection or repair issues | 70.4 percent. |
| Buyer financing falls through | 27.8 percent. |
| Buyer cannot sell their current home | 21 percent. |
For inspection issues, consider a pre-listing inspection and decide what to fix, disclose, or price in. For financing, review the buyer’s pre-approval and talk with the lender, and consider concessions or a buydown. For home-sale contingencies, understand where the buyer is in their own sale and what protections you want.
If a sale does fall through, it does not mean your home will not sell. Circumstances change, and issues can be addressed before the next buyer.
David reviews offers beyond price, including financing strength and contingencies, and can guide you on whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense. See Should You Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection? for more.
Redfin and Cotality data as reported in October 2026.
This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial or inspection advice. Every home and situation is different, so confirm details with a licensed inspector, lender, attorney or tax professional.
David is a Greater Denver real estate advisor with eXp Realty and The Apollo Group (Colorado broker license FA100103211). He has closed more than $55 million in volume, earned eXp Icon status in 2025, and holds a 5.0 rating on Zillow from 27 verified reviews.
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