Weird Things That Can Kill a Real Estate Deal (and How to Avoid Them)
Real estate transactions fall apart for all kinds of strange reasons. And most of the time? It’s not what you think.
Below are some of the weird—but very real—deal killers we’ve seen in the field, plus tips from top agents on how to avoid them
1. Not Vetting Properly
You might assume that if a buyer has a pre-approval letter, they’re solid. But that’s not always the case.
Nick Rau, a Rarity Real Estate agent, explains:
"Accepting deals from buyers without really vetting the deal and making sure things add up is a big issue. I speak to the lenders. I analyze the BFI. I know if the DTI is an issue based off of what they show, and I challenge what doesn’t make sense."
Buyers sometimes stretch the truth on income or employment, and lenders eager to close a deal might not catch it. If a deal falls apart late due to financing, everyone loses.
How to Avoid It:
- Always call the Lender yourself
- Ask tough questions about the buyer's financials
- Flag inconsistencies early - even if it risks delaying acceptance
2. Unrealistic Expectations on Price
Listing a home for way more than it’s worth just to “see what happens” can tank a deal before it even starts.
Mitch Gendelman, another experienced agent on the Rarity team, shares:
"One of the biggest deal killers is failed expectations-on both sides. Sometimes it's major material issues that come up during due diligence, and sometimes it's buyers being dishonest about their income or employment. Another big one - overpricing a listing just to win the business. If the home doesn't sell, the seller loses trust and the deal dies."
How to Avoid It:
- Be honest with the sellers about realistic market value
- Show comparable sales data to back up pricing recommendations
- Walk away from listings if expectations can't be aligned
3. Ignoring Repair Issues Before Listing
Even minor defects can cause major panic during the due diligence period if they catch a buyer off guard.
“I think a lack of getting ahead of things pre-list is one big issue that causes deals to fall apart,” says Nick Rau. “I walk into a home, understand what I’m looking at from a construction standpoint and marketing standpoint, and I’m completely honest with people.”
Buyers can get cold feet over repair surprises, even small ones. If it’s a larger issue—like electrical, plumbing, or structural—it can instantly derail the deal.
How to Avoid It:
- Disclose known issues upfront
- Price accordingly or make repairs before hitting the market
Final Thoughts: Expect the Unexpected (and Get Ahead of It)
Most deal-killers don’t show up with flashing lights. They hide in lender conversations, listing price expectations, and walls you thought were fine.
That’s why it pays to work with experienced agents who do the hard work upfront.
At Rarity Real Estate, our agents don’t just list homes—we walk through every potential pitfall before your home hits the market, and we challenge every red flag before accepting an offer.
Want to avoid a deal disaster? Reach out to our team for a consultation today.
