If there were one simple step that could make your home sale smoother, wouldn’t you want to know it?

A lot happens between accepting an offer and closing day. Most deals cross the finish line just fine— but lately, some sellers have been hitting avoidable snags. The good news? With the right prep (and the right agent), you can sidestep nearly all of them.

What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out

According to Redfin, about 15% of pending home sales are falling through. That’s up slightly from the pre-pandemic norm of around 12%, but it still means six out of seven deals close successfully.

You might assume financing is the main culprit, but inspection and repair issues are now the top reason buyers back out.

• Buyers stretched by high prices and rates don’t want unexpected repair costs.
• Many want move-in-ready homes instead of taking on big projects.
• With more listings to choose from, they can simply walk away if yours feels risky.

The best Tampa Bay sellers are getting ahead of this with a pre-listing inspection.

What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?

A pre-listing inspection is exactly what it sounds like—a professional home inspection you schedule before going on the market. While not required, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says it can be one of the smartest moves sellers can make:

“To keep deals from unraveling, it allows a seller to address any repairs before the For Sale sign goes up. It also helps avoid surprises like a failing roof or outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to back out.”

Think of it as a stress-test for your sale. You’ll uncover potential issues early and decide what to fix or disclose—before they can derail your deal. No surprises. No last-minute panic. No lost buyer.

Is It Worth It?

A pre-listing inspection usually costs a few hundred dollars, and the insight it provides can save thousands. Your agent can help you decide whether it makes sense for your situation and market.

• Identify which issues to fix and which to disclose
• Prioritize repairs based on what local buyers care about most
• Connect you with trusted professionals for quick fixes
• Ensure you follow Florida disclosure requirements

That small step could make the difference between a smooth closing and a deal that falls apart.

Bottom Line

One simple step can dramatically improve your odds of a seamless sale: know what buyers will find before they do.

If you’d rather control the timeline and avoid surprises under contract, let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your Tampa Bay home.