Top Reasons Buyers Cancel a Home Sale

Getting an offer on your home is a big moment. It feels like the finish line is finally in sight. But here’s the truth: an accepted contract doesn’t guarantee a smooth path to closing.

Why does this happen, and how can you avoid becoming part of that statistic? Let’s look at the three most common reasons buyers cancel a home sale and, more importantly, what you can do to keep your deal on track.

1. Home inspection surprises. For most buyers, the home inspection is the first real stress test. They want reassurance that they’re making a sound investment, not inheriting expensive problems. Even small issues can snowball into doubt if they’re not addressed openly.

I recommend a pre-listing inspection as it gives you a clear picture of your home’s condition and allows you to either make repairs or set expectations in advance. It also reduces the chance of last-minute surprises derailing your deal.

2. Financing falls through. It’s easy to assume that once a buyer is pre-approved, their loan is safe. Unfortunately, financing can fall through even late in the process. When financing fails, sellers are left scrambling, often after already pulling their home off the market.

To avoid this, I recommend requiring strong pre-approval letters from reputable lenders. Ask your agent to vet buyer qualifications carefully and keep contingency timelines short. The goal isn’t just to attract buyers, but to attract buyers who are ready and able to close.

3. Low appraisals. If an appraiser values your home below the contract price, the lender won’t approve the full loan amount. The buyer then has to cover the cash gap, or you, as the seller, must agree to lower your price. When neither side can bridge the difference, the deal may collapse.

What you can do is price your home realistically from the start. Overpricing often leads to appraisal gaps and stressful renegotiations. A competitive, data-driven list price helps attract serious buyers who can follow through.

Getting under contract is exciting, but it’s only half the journey. The real win is making it to the closing table with confidence and minimal stress. If you’re thinking of selling, preparation is everything. Address potential inspection issues, carefully evaluate buyer financing, price strategically, and look closely at the terms of each offer, not just the numbers.

If you’re planning to sell, let’s connect. Call me at 214-213-7200 or email me at justin@croftrealestategroup.com, and I’ll help you prepare your home, review offers wisely, and avoid the most common deal-breakers that derail a sale.