The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)

By Mike Lentz | The Mike Lentz Team – Keller Williams Realty

The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)

You may have seen headlines saying more buyers are backing out of contracts. The number recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating if you’re planning to sell your home.

But here’s what matters most for South Jersey sellers. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control.

Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem.

The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection

A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts happened because of inspection issues (see graph below):

And that makes sense. Today’s buyers have something they didn’t have a couple years ago: options.

Whether you’re selling in Waterford, Oaklyn, or anywhere in Camden County, the shift matters. Buyers can be pickier now.

Why Fixing Things Before You List Matters More Now

A few years back, buyers felt rushed due to limited inventory. They were more willing to overlook issues then.

But skipping essential repairs is one of the fastest ways to lose a deal now. There are more homes available for buyers to choose from.

If a house feels risky or like it’s hiding expensive surprises, buyers will walk away. So what do you have to fix? Just ask an agent.

How Your Agent Can Help Give You the Edge

A local agent will walk through your house and offer advice. They’ll know what to tackle based on your specific home and market.

They’ll also have first-hand knowledge about buyer turnoffs right now. You can use that expertise to prevent future headaches.

For example, these are issues buyers care most about:

• Roof leaks or damage: sagging, leaking, etc.
• Plumbing problems: standing water, leaks, water damage, etc.
• Electrical concerns: outdated or exposed wiring, missing GFCI outlets, etc.
• HVAC issues: non-functioning units
• Pest or insect damage: termite colonies, etc.
• Hazardous materials: lead, mold, asbestos, etc.
• Safety/code violations: missing smoke detectors, windows stuck closed, etc.
• Structural problems: cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, etc.

Odds are not all of this applies to your house. Maybe only one or two things do. Or maybe none of them do.

But an agent will have the tools and resources to help you figure it out. They’ll keep you one step ahead.

The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection

To buyers, these aren’t cosmetic issues. They’re trust issues. And that’s what you need to watch out for now.

Once buyers start wondering “what else might be wrong,” it’s hard to recover momentum. That’s why some agents recommend a pre-listing inspection.

Think of it as a sneak peek into what buyers will see. With that insight, you can:

• Fix concerns before you list, or disclose issues upfront
• Avoid having to respond or negotiate under pressure
• Stop scrambling to find contractors before your closing date

But remember, you don’t have to fix everything. You just have to be strategic about what you do tackle. That way you and your buyer aren’t caught off guard.

And that’s why you need an agent who can:

• Decide if a pre-listing inspection is worth it where you live
• Recommend a trusted inspector (if you decide to get one)
• Look at the results with you to identify true dealbreakers
• Help you decide what to fix or what to credit
• Make sure you avoid over-spending or under-preparing

The right approach depends on your local market. What matters in Burlington County may differ from Salem County priorities.

Bottom Line

One of the biggest dealbreakers for buyers right now is inspection issues. And that’s something you can control.

You just need to be proactive about high-impact repairs before you list. If you want help figuring out where to focus, let’s connect. We can keep your sale on track from day one.