3 Ways To Keep Your Home Sale From Falling Apart

By Rachael Richards

Rachael has been a top real estate agent in the Phoenix area for over 20 years. She and her team are consistently in the top 1% and have worked through all types of markets. Selling over 200 homes each year while maintaining a core value that clients come first, Rachael and her team have a wealth of experience and industry knowledge.

Selling a home can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. One of the most discouraging situations for sellers is when a home goes under contract, only to have the deal fall apart before closing.

It happens more often than you might think. In September 2025, approximately 6% of homes failed to close escrow, a rate slightly higher than the previous year’s. Understanding why these fall-throughs happen can help you prevent them from happening to your sale.

Here are the top three things every seller should focus on to keep their deal on track.

1. Hire an experienced agent. Experience matters more than ever in today’s market. Last year, 70% of agents nationwide failed to close a single sale, indicating that many lack the hands-on experience necessary to navigate a shifting market. Working with an agent who’s guided clients through both hot and balanced conditions gives you a significant advantage. They know how to anticipate potential roadblocks, manage negotiations, and keep your deal moving forward from contract to close.

2. Set the right expectations. Successful sellers understand that today’s market requires flexibility. Buyers may ask for closing cost assistance, interest rate buydowns, or a home warranty. These are normal requests in a balanced market, not red flags. Being open to fair negotiations can help you keep qualified buyers engaged and prevent unnecessary deal collapses.

3. Be proactive about inspections. The most common reason escrows fall apart is during the inspection period. Major repair issues, particularly with roofs, HVAC systems, or plumbing, can put buyers on edge. Addressing known issues before listing or being prepared to negotiate reasonable credits can make the difference between closing and having to start over.

If you’ve had a deal fall through or are preparing to sell again, the best way to protect your next transaction is to work with experienced professionals and a strategic approach. With over 20 years in real estate, I’ve helped homeowners succeed through every type of market cycle. Let’s review your property, assess potential challenges, and create a plan to get your home sold with confidence.

Contact me today at 480-270-5782, email info@rhouserealty.com, or visit www.rhouserealty.com. The right preparation today can save you time, money, and stress when it matters most at the closing table.