Don't Drop the Ball Before the Finish Line: How Home Sellers Can Sabotage Their Sale Right Before Closing
Selling your home is a process—and while getting under contract is a major milestone, it’s not the finish line. One of the most surprising (and costly) mistakes some sellers make? Letting their guard down or becoming difficult right before closing.
Here’s how home sellers unintentionally drop the ball—and what you can do to avoid it.
🛑 Ignoring the Contract Terms
Once you’re under contract, your responsibilities don’t end. Sellers are often required to complete agreed-upon repairs, leave appliances or fixtures, or clean the property before closing. Ignoring these terms—intentionally or by accident—can lead to delays, lost trust, or even a collapsed deal.
✅ What to do:
Review the contract carefully and stay in close communication with your real estate agent. If something changes or you can’t fulfill a term, let your agent handle it proactively.
🧹 Leaving the Home in Poor Condition
Yes, you’re moving out—but that doesn’t mean you can leave the home dirty, damaged, or filled with leftover junk. Final walkthroughs happen just before closing, and if buyers walk into a mess, they can demand repairs, delay signing, or in rare cases, walk away.
✅ What to do:
Leave the home broom-clean and empty, unless the contract says otherwise. Patch nail holes, clean surfaces, and double-check that no trash or unwanted furniture is left behind.
🪛 Removing Items That Were Supposed to Stay
Taking the dining room chandelier, TV wall mounts, or stainless-steel fridge after the contract stated they’d stay? That’s a fast way to lose the deal—or face a last-minute dispute or credit request from the buyer.
✅ What to do:
If you want to take something with you, exclude it in writing before listing or during negotiations. Once it’s in the contract, it’s the buyer’s.
🔧 Skipping Agreed-Upon Repairs
If the inspection revealed issues and you agreed to fix them before closing, don’t cut corners. Failing to complete those repairs (or doing them poorly) can derail the deal at the final walkthrough.
✅ What to do:
Hire licensed professionals when needed and save receipts to prove the work was done. This protects both you and the buyer.
🏦 Missing Deadlines or Not Being Available
Sometimes sellers delay the closing by not signing documents in time, going on vacation without letting their agent know, or not responding to important communications during escrow.
✅ What to do:
Stay available and responsive until the transaction is officially closed and funded. We’re almost there—don’t vanish now!
🚫 Being Combative Over Every Detail
One of the most avoidable deal-killers? Being difficult for the sake of being difficult. Some sellers take every request, change, or minor issue personally and push back on everything—even when it's small or easily resolved.
Refusing to work with your agent or the buyer’s requests can create unnecessary tension, slow things down, and sometimes cause buyers to walk away altogether.
✅ What to do:
Remember: Your real estate agent is on your side. We want to get the sale closed just as much as you do. A little cooperation and flexibility can go a long way. This isn’t about giving in to everything—it’s about making smart choices that keep the deal on track.
📋 Final Thoughts: Finish Strong
Selling a home is a team effort, and as the seller, your part doesn’t end until the keys are handed over. By staying organized, keeping the home in great condition, communicating openly, and working with—not against—your agent, you’ll be in a much better position to close smoothly and successfully.
Frank Campobasso
Century 21 Circle
📲 Call or Text: 773-425-6265
🌐 www.camposellshouses.com
💬 Reviews: https://profile.realsatisfied.com/Frank-Campobasso
