How Often Do Pending Offers Fall Through When Selling a Home?

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After the initial excitement of accepting an offer, many sellers quickly find themselves sitting with a new kind of uncertainty. Even once a home is under contract, there’s still a window where inspections, mortgage financing, and last-minute negotiations can change the outcome. That uncertainty makes many sellers wonder as closing day approaches: How often do pending offers fall through?

In this post, we’ll break down how frequently deals collapse, why most buyers back out, what you can do if it happens, and how to better protect your sale from unexpected setbacks.

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How often do pending offers fall through?

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) April 2026 Realtors® Confidence Index Survey, about 5% of pending offers fall through. While that’s a relatively small share overall, it still means thousands of home sales fail to make it to the closing table each month.

The good news is that 95% of pending home sales carry through to closing.

Because the real estate market is always shifting, factors such as the economy, lending requirements, and local market conditions can all affect this number. It can also look different depending on where you are, what’s happening in your local market, and even the property’s price range.

NAR also estimates that:

13% of home purchase contracts experience delayed settlements
6% of contracts are delayed due to appraisal issues

What can cause my home sale to fall through?

With about 5% of pending offers not making it to the closing table, it’s natural to wonder what’s behind those failed deals. Here are the most common reasons a home sale can fall through.

Financing hurdles: A deal can fall apart when the buyer can’t secure their mortgage. This can happen if their financial situation changes during the process, like losing a job or seeing their credit score drop.
Appraisal issues: If the home doesn’t appraise for the agreed-upon price, the sale can hit a major roadblock. Since lenders usually only finance up to the appraised value, it can force renegotiation or cause the deal to fall through.
Home inspection surprises: Major issues uncovered during the home inspection, such as foundation problems, outdated electrical systems, or plumbing issues, can lead to renegotiations or cause the buyer to back out.
Title problems: Unclear or disputed property titles can pause or prevent a sale. Issues like liens, boundary disputes, or unresolved ownership claims need to be cleared before the sale can proceed.
Unmet contingencies: Sales often include contingencies such as the sale of the buyer’s current home, further inspections, or specific repairs. Failure to meet these contingencies can result in the sale falling through.
Cold feet: Sometimes, buyers simply change their minds. They could struggle with buyer’s remorse, find another property they prefer, or reevaluate their decision to purchase a home. This emotional pivot can abruptly end the sale.

Why home sales fall through, according to agents

In HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Q3 2025 Report, based on a survey of more than 800 of the country’s top-performing real estate agents, here are the top reasons pending deals don’t make it to the finish line.:

Home inspection uncovers major issues: 27%
Buyer’s financing falls through: 21%
Buyer gets cold feet or changes their mind: 20%
Seller refuses repair requests or concessions: 12%

Home issues that frighten buyers the most

When buyers consider potential homes, certain red flags can prompt them to walk away from a deal. Here are the top factors that scare away buyers:

Cracked foundation or walls: Visible cracks can point to bigger foundation issues that may be expensive to fix. They often raise red flags for buyers about the home’s overall stability.
Termites or other wood-destroying pests: Signs of termites or mice can mean hidden damage that isn’t always easy or cheap to repair. It also makes buyers worry about future infestations and ongoing costs.
Outdated or faulty kitchen appliances: The kitchen is a big selling point, so old or broken appliances can really stand out in a bad way. They can make the home feel less move-in ready and turn buyers off quickly.
Inefficient or poorly maintained HVAC: A heating and cooling system that doesn’t work well can be a big turnoff for buyers. It raises concerns about comfort and higher energy bills down the line.
Presence of mold, radon, or other hazardous materials: Anything that points to health risks, like mold or radon, can quickly scare buyers off. Even the possibility of exposure often means costly remediation and extra caution.
Old roof: An aging or damaged roof is a major red flag since repairs or replacement can be expensive. Future homeowners worry about leaks and the potential for water damage inside the home.
Water damage: Stains, leaks, or signs of past water issues can mean bigger problems beneath the surface. Buyers often see it as a warning sign for mold, structural damage, or future repair costs.
Plumbing problems: Ongoing plumbing issues can be a sign of deeper system problems in the home. Most people worry they could be facing expensive, messy repairs down the line.
Too many locks on the doors: An unusual number of locks can make buyers wonder about safety or past break-ins. It can create discomfort or make the home feel less welcoming.
Odd or disgusting smells: Strong or lingering odors, such as mold, smoke, or dog smells, can be an immediate turnoff. They often make buyers assume there may be hidden issues behind them.
Bad repairs or renovations: Sloppy or uneven workmanship can raise doubts about how well the home has been maintained overall. Buyers may question what other problems are being covered up or ignored.

How market conditions affect fall-through rates

Market conditions can play a bigger role in failed home sales than many sellers realize. When mortgage rates rise, buyers may no longer qualify for the loan amount they were approved for earlier, increasing the risk of financing issues before closing.

In a seller’s market, bidding wars can push offers above asking price, which sometimes leads to low appraisals or tougher inspection negotiations later on.

Meanwhile, slower buyer activity in a buyer’s market may give buyers more leverage to back out, renegotiate, or become more selective during the process. Fall-through rates can also shift with seasonal trends and economic uncertainty, as volatile markets often make both buyers and lenders more cautious, leading to more canceled deals.

What do I do if my home sale falls through?

When a home sale falls through, it can be a disheartening experience. However, it’s important to regroup quickly and explore your options to move forward. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:

Understand the reasons: Clarify why the sale fell through to address any specific issues, whether they relate to financing, home inspection results, or appraisal discrepancies.
Reassess your selling strategy: Consider if your asking price is aligned with the current market conditions or if improvements can be made to your home’s presentation.
Resolve any identified issues: If the home inspection uncovered significant problems, addressing these issues can make your home more attractive to the next potential buyer.
Explore other offers: If you had multiple offers initially, reach out to other interested parties to see if they are still in the market for a home like yours.
Consider relisting: If necessary, relist your home on the market, possibly with updated, high-quality photos, a revised description, or an adjusted price based on your agent’s recommendations and market analysis.
Maintain your property: Keep your home in show-ready condition to make a strong impression on future potential buyers.
Stay flexible and open to negotiation: Being open to negotiation on price, closing costs, or the terms of the sale can make a difference in securing the next offer.
Consult with an expert: Your real estate agent can provide valuable insights and advice on how to proceed based on their experience and understanding of the market.

Remember, a sale falling through is not the end of the road. With a few smart adjustments and a proactive approach, you can bounce back and still get your home sold.

Warning signs that a pending sale might fall through

Even though most pending offers make it to closing, there are usually a few warning signs when a deal is starting to get shaky. These red flags don’t always mean the sale will fall apart, but they can signal that something needs attention. Knowing what to watch for can help you act early and reduce the risk of surprises later.

Buyer keeps missing deadlines: When a buyer starts slipping on agreed timelines, like reviewing disclosures, signing paperwork, or meeting contract milestones, it can be a sign they’re getting cold feet or running into issues behind the scenes. Even small delays can slow everything down and create uncertainty in the deal.
Buyer is slow to reply to inquiries: If responses start dragging out, especially from the buyer’s agent, it can stall progress and make communication harder. It may also hint that the buyer isn’t fully committed or is dealing with complications that haven’t been shared yet.
Buyer keeps asking for more time: If the buyer keeps pushing the closing date back, it can be a sign something isn’t quite right. It might point to financing delays or simply second thoughts about the deal.
Buyer requesting excessive contract changes: When a buyer starts trying to change terms that were already agreed on, it can mean frustration or hesitation. It often suggests they may be looking for a way to reopen negotiations or slow things down.
Buyer is making unreasonable concession requests: If the buyer suddenly asks for a lot of credits or repairs that don’t match the inspection findings, that can be a red flag. It may mean they’re trying to gain leverage or find a way to back out of the deal.

Recognizing these signs early allows sellers to consult with their real estate agent for strategies to address potential concerns, possibly salvaging the sale or preparing for a relisting.

How can I help my sale make it to closing?

Making sure your home sale gets all the way to closing takes a bit of planning and staying on top of things along the way. Here are some practical steps you can take to help keep your deal on track and avoid surprises before closing day:

Stay on top of deadlines: Keep a detailed calendar of all deadlines related to the sale and ensure you meet each one promptly to maintain momentum.
Maintain open communication: Regularly communicate with your real estate agent and potential buyers to promptly address any concerns or questions that arise.
Prepare your home thoroughly: Before listing, conduct a pre-sale home inspection and make necessary repairs to avoid surprises during the buyer’s inspection.
Be realistic about pricing: Set a competitive price for your home based on market analysis to attract serious buyers and minimize haggling.
Offer flexibility on closing dates and contingencies: Showing willingness to negotiate on closing dates or specific contingencies can make the buying process more appealing to potential buyers.
Keep your home presentable: Your home should always ready for showings at any time to make a strong impression on buyers.
Respond promptly to requests: Whether it’s for additional information, paperwork, or access to the property, quick responses can help keep the process moving smoothly.
Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent: An experienced agent can provide invaluable guidance through the selling process, from pricing your home correctly to navigating negotiation and closing.

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Stack the deck in your favor with a top agent

One of the most effective strategies to ensure your home sale makes it to closing is to partner with a top real estate agent. An experienced Realtor can reduce the anxiety and enhance the anticipation. They provide peace of mind during a time when you’re balancing priorities, resources, and life changes.

HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent who will bring a wealth of knowledge to your side of the negotiating table. With the right professional by your side, you’ll be well-equipped to address any challenges head-on and successfully cross the home sale finish line.

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