09/03/2026
Buyers backing out isn’t a you problem right now. It’s a market problem.
The newest data: 15% of home-purchase agreements fell through in July... the highest cancellation rate in almost 3 years. Up from 13.7% in June. Well above where it sat back in 2020-2022, when sellers had all the leverage.
Here’s why it’s happening: there are 51% more sellers than buyers in today’s market. That math alone hands buyers permission to walk.
Then add the reasons they’re actually using it:
Inspection findings turned into a negotiating chip... or an exit.
Appraisals coming in under the purchase price.
Cold feet after they run the numbers with their lender one more time.
Atlanta, Houston, San Antonio, Las Vegas, and Orlando are getting hit hardest — close to 1 in 5 contracts falling apart in those markets. ahem 20% 😳
So here’s the conversation I have with every seller before we ever go active.
This is not 2021. An accepted offer is not a sold house. Assume there will be a renegotiation somewhere between contract and close, because odds are, there will be.
Price it right from day one, prep for the inspection before it happens, and don’t panic when a buyer backs out. In this market, that’s not a red flag on your house. That’s just Tuesday.
Sellers who hear this upfront handle a cancellation like a professional. Sellers who don’t hear it panic, drop the price out of fear, and leave money on the table.
If you need to hire an agent and don’t know where to start comment HIRE and I’ll drop you a link to my free guide.