What I wish every Seller knew about what kills an Offer.....

What Kills an Offer? Insights Every Seller Should Know

When it comes to selling your home, the first offer might not always be the best — but it could be the right one. And in many cases, sellers unknowingly sabotage solid offers not because of price, but because of missteps in strategy, flexibility, or preparation.

Here are the top reasons I see offers fall apart — and how you can avoid them:

Here are the top reasons I see offers fall apart — and how you can avoid them:

1. A Poor Inspection Report

Nothing cools down a hot offer faster than a disappointing inspection. If your home has glaring maintenance issues, safety concerns, or signs of neglect, expect even motivated buyers to pause. These red flags create uncertainty and open the door for renegotiation — or cancellation.

Pro Tip: Consider a pre-listing inspection. Fix what’s reasonable, price strategically around anything you’re not fixing, and demonstrate transparency. Buyers love homes that show pride of ownership.

2. Lack of Flexibility on Dates

Timing matters. If a buyer needs to close in 45 days and you insist on 90, or if you’re unwilling to budge on possession dates due to inconvenience, you could lose the deal entirely. Flexibility doesn’t mean being unprotected — it means knowing which variables are negotiable.

Pro Tip: Before you list, know your ideal timelines and your tolerances. When buyers feel they’re negotiating with a brick wall, they walk.

3. Unrealistic Expectations

We all love our homes. But if you're pricing far above market comparables, refusing to accept standard conditions, or assuming every buyer will share your aesthetic taste, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

Pro Tip: Partner with a REALTOR® who can show you what buyers actually expect, not just what sellers hope for. Real-time data and buyer behavior insights are more powerful than sentiment.

4. Emotional Over-attachment

Selling is emotional. But when that emotion gets in the way of reason, communication breaks down. Sellers who view every condition as an insult, or see negotiation as a personal attack, can lose sight of the bigger picture: securing a fair, clean, and successful deal. The Buyer will also not be able to make an Emotional connection with your home.

Pro Tip: Hire someone who can be your calm in the storm. An experienced agent acts as a buffer, allowing you to make decisions with clarity and confidence.

The Bottom Line?

Every offer is an opportunity — but not every opportunity will wait. The right preparation and mindset can be the difference between "we accepted" and "we almost had it."

Ready to list? Let’s make sure your next offer is the one that sticks.

Visit www.ahomrealty.com or contact me directly to schedule a pre-listing consultation.

A.H.O.M™ Realty — Where Every M.O.V.E. is Intentional.