Why More Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch Home Sales Are Falling Through—And How to Prevent It

Why More Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch Home Sales Are Falling Through—And How to Prevent It

When you sell a home in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or the surrounding Manatee and Charlotte counties, the last thing you want is for your buyer to back out at the last minute. Unfortunately, that’s happening more often today.

According to recent Redfin data, 15% of pending home sales in June fell through—an increase compared to the pre-pandemic norm of about 12%. While that may not sound drastic, for sellers it can mean wasted time, lost money, and the stress of starting over.

The good news? Many of these cancellations are avoidable—especially if you work with an experienced Sarasota real estate agent who knows the local market.(see graph below):

Why Home Sales Fall Through in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Beyond

A recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) shows that the #1 reason contracts fall through is home inspections.

Here’s why this matters in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties:

• Higher prices and mortgage rates are stretching buyers’ budgets. Unexpected repairs often feel impossible for them to handle.

• With more homes available for sale in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, buyers have choices. If one inspection report looks bad, they may simply move on.

• If sellers refuse to make repairs or concessions, buyers may back out altogether.

This is especially true in Florida markets where inspections often uncover roof issues, outdated electrical systems, plumbing problems, or A/C concerns.

The Solution: Pre-Listing Inspections in Sarasota

One of the best ways to avoid losing a buyer is to get a pre-listing inspection before putting your home on the market.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains that pre-listing inspections allow sellers to fix major issues upfront and reduce the risk of last-minute surprises.

Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection:

• ✅ Fix problems before buyers see them – Handle major repairs like roofing, electrical, or plumbing issues before showings even begin.

• ✅ Avoid last-minute renegotiations – No sudden price drops, repair requests, or canceled contracts.

• ✅ Show buyers you’re serious – A clean, well-maintained home builds trust and can lead to faster offers with fewer negotiations.

In Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, where competition is strong, presenting a move-in-ready home can give you the edge.

Should Every Sarasota Seller Do a Pre-Listing Inspection?

Not always. Your local real estate agent can help determine whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your home and your neighborhood.

Your agent will:

• Guide you on which issues to fix versus disclose.

• Prioritize repairs that matter most to Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte County buyers.

• Ensure you’re following local disclosure laws.

Bottom Line

If you’re selling your home in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or anywhere in Manatee or Charlotte County, a pre-listing inspection could save your deal. It’s a small upfront investment that can prevent major setbacks later.

Would you rather discover a repair now, when you can handle it on your terms—or after you’re under contract, when the clock is ticking?

Let’s talk about the best strategy to sell your home smoothly in today’s Sarasota real estate market.