Buying or selling a home is so much more than picking a sales price or getting your offer accepted.

Here at Real Estate on the Riviera, we often say most of our job happens once the offer is actually accepted and we work to get our client to the closing table.

Every so often, homes don't make it to closing. It’s a disappointment whether we’re representing the buyer or seller, but it does sometimes happen. Knowing this, we can enter the process prepared, and be ready with next steps should the unexpected happen.

Can you guess why some homes end up not making it to the closing table?

Top 3 Reasons Homes Don't Make It To Closing— And How To Avoid Them

#1: Inspection Issues

Failed inspections account for 15% of unsuccessful home sales. The good news is that with a little bit of knowledge, you can avoid this mishap. It's just a matter of understanding what repairs need to be made and what inspectors are looking for during an inspection.

#2: Appraisal Challenges

Appraisals can be tricky— if the appraisal doesn't come back at the right value, it can detail your entire home buying process. Fear not: you can minimize the risk of an unfavorable appraisal by researching the local market and making strategic updates to your home.

#3: Change of Heart

Sometimes, sellers have a personal situation or change of heart that keeps them from going through with the sale. Selling a home is a major life decision, and sometimes life gets in the way. This is why it's so important to consider everything you can before officially going on the market.

“The bottom line: investing in real estate is smart because property is tangible. People always have, and always will, need shelter. This means it is very unlikely that our need for shelter (ie: buying or renting homes) will ever go away.”
— Kathy Fettke, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of RealWealth

Buying a home can be a complicated, intimidating process, so having a professional on your side to answer questions and look out for your best interests can go a long way. Don’t rely on the other agent to provide advice and guidance. It’s their job to advise their client, not you.

We recommend asking friends and family for referrals, read online reviews, and interviewing two or three agents before making a final decision on choosing a Realtor to represent you.