The #1 Thing That Keeps Homes from Selling (and How St. George Sellers Can Avoid It)

If there were one simple step that could help make your home sale go smoothly from start to finish, wouldn’t you want to know about it? Selling your home in St. George can be exciting, but it also comes with a few potential hiccups between the time your house goes under contract and closing day.

Here’s what many homeowners don’t realize: there’s one stage of the process that’s causing more deals to fall apart than any other. The good news? It’s completely avoidable if you know what to look for and take proactive steps before you list. Here's what you need to know before selling. 

The Hidden Deal Breaker for Home Sellers

According to the latest data from Redfin, about 15% of pending home sales fall through before closing. That's slightly higher than the pre-pandemic norm of around 12%. While that may sound concerning, it also means 6 out of 7 deals still close successfully, so don't let a clickbait title scare you. On top of that, you can boost your odds even higher by understanding what’s behind most of those cancellations.

Many sellers assume that financing issues are to blame for deals falling through. In reality, the leading reason buyers back out is inspection and repair problems.

Here’s why that’s such a big deal today:

• Buyers are financially stretched after years of rising prices and higher mortgage rates, so unexpected repairs can be a stressful deal-breaker.
• They want a home that feels move-in ready, not another big project.
• With more homes on the market than a year ago, buyers figure they can simply move on to another property if inspection issues arise.

The most successful sellers — and the agents guiding them — are finding ways to eliminate these issues before the buyer ever walks through the door.

The Simple Step That Prevents Deals from Falling Apart

Enter the pre-listing inspection. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your home on the market. While it’s not required, it can be one of the most powerful tools for a smooth and successful sale.

Think of your pre-listing inspection as a safety net. By identifying issues early, you can fix them, disclose them transparently, or price your home accordingly before buyers start touring. That preparation helps your listing stand out in St. George’s competitive market and prevents last-minute renegotiations that could threaten your deal.

Is a Pre-Listing Inspection Worth It?

Typically, a pre-listing inspection costs just a few hundred dollars, but it can save you thousands in lost time, stress, or repair concessions down the line. Still, whether it’s the right move depends on your situation and your local market conditions.

That’s why working with an experienced St. George real estate agent is key. We will:

• Help you decide which issues to fix before listing
• Prioritize repairs that matter most to today’s buyers
• Connect you with trusted local contractors and inspectors
• Ensure you’re in compliance with Utah’s disclosure laws

Erika Rogers says, “In today’s market, buyers expect transparency and move-in readiness. A pre-listing inspection gives sellers peace of mind and often gives them an edge when multiple offers come in. In St. George, the homes that go under contract fastest are usually the ones where sellers took the time to prepare.”

If you want your home sale to go smoothly, take the time to prepare now. A small investment in a pre-listing inspection can protect your deal, reduce stress, and help you sell faster — and often for more money.