family in front of a home

For Sellers | Selling Tips | Expired / Withdrawn / Canceled

If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale in Elkhorn, Omaha, Papillion, Bennington, Lincoln, or Council Bluffs go more smoothly, wouldn’t you want to know about it?

A lot happens between the moment your home goes under contract and the day you hand over the keys. While most sales do make it to closing, a few important details still have to line up for everything to go according to plan.

Here’s something many local sellers don’t realize: there’s one part of the process where deals are hitting speed bumps more often lately. The good news? In most cases, those issues are completely avoidable — especially when you know what to expect and plan ahead.

That’s where working with a strong local agent (and doing a little prep upfront) can make all the difference.

What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out

National data from Redfin shows about 15% of pending home sales don’t make it to closing. While that’s only slightly higher than historical norms, it does mean roughly 1 in 7 deals falls apart before the finish line.

Here in the Greater Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs area, most sellers still close successfully — but knowing where deals tend to unravel can help you stack the odds in your favor.

Many sellers assume financing is the biggest risk, but that’s not what we’re seeing most often. The most common reason buyers walk away today is inspection and repair issues.

And that makes sense in our local market:

  • Buyers are already stretching their budgets due to higher home prices and interest rates. Surprise repairs can feel like a deal-breaker.
  • Many buyers want homes that are move-in ready, especially in competitive neighborhoods like Elkhorn, Bennington, Papillion, and popular Omaha suburbs.
  • With more options available across Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs, buyers are less likely to stick with a home that feels risky or requires major work.
  • If inspection issues arise and sellers aren’t prepared, buyers often feel more comfortable moving on to another listing.

Smart sellers — especially those advised by experienced local agents — are adjusting their strategy. That’s where a pre-listing inspection comes into play.

What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?

A pre-listing inspection is exactly what it sounds like: a professional home inspection completed before your home goes on the market.

While it’s not required, the National Association of Realtors explains why it can be a powerful tool for sellers in today’s market:

“To keep deals from unraveling… it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof, or outdated electrical systems that could cause buyers to walk away before closing.”

For homes across Elkhorn, Omaha, Papillion, Bennington, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs, this step can help eliminate uncertainty and reduce negotiation stress later.

By inspecting early, you:

  • Learn what might come up during the buyer’s inspection
  • Decide ahead of time which repairs to make
  • Prepare disclosures properly
  • Avoid last-minute renegotiations that can delay or derail closing

When the buyer’s inspector arrives, there are no surprises — just confidence on both sides of the transaction.

Is It Worth It?

In most cases, a pre-listing inspection costs just a few hundred dollars. That small upfront investment can save thousands — and weeks of stress — later on.

That said, it’s not the right move for every home. Market conditions vary between Lincoln, Omaha suburbs, and Council Bluffs, and even between neighborhoods.

That’s why it’s important to talk with a knowledgeable local agent before deciding. If a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your situation, your agent can help you:

  • Decide which issues are worth fixing — and which aren’t
  • Prioritize repairs based on what local buyers care about most
  • Connect with trusted contractors and inspectors
  • Navigate local disclosure requirements

That one proactive step could be the difference between a smooth closing and a deal that falls apart.

Bottom Line

If there was one simple way to help your home sale in Elkhorn, Omaha, Papillion, Bennington, Lincoln, or Council Bluffs stay on track, would you take it?

If you’d rather handle potential issues on your timeline — instead of under pressure while under contract — let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your home.

A little preparation now can help you list with confidence, negotiate from a position of strength, and cross the finish line without unnecessary surprises.

Posted in blog