How To Make Sure Your Sale Crosses the Finish Line
Team Olivieri
Monday, November 10, 2025
If there was one simple step that could make selling your Ontario home smoother, wouldn’t you want to know about it?
Between accepting an offer and closing day, a lot can happen—and some deals fall apart at the last minute. While Ontario’s market is seeing more new listings and cooling prices, almost 1 in 7 sales still don’t make it to the finish line. Most sellers never face this, but understanding what causes these hiccups helps you avoid becoming a statistic.?
One of the biggest culprits? Inspection and repair surprises. With buyers more cost-conscious after the rapid price increases (and now, much higher borrowing costs), anything unexpected during an inspection can send them running. Buyers have more choice—and less patience—than during the ultra-hot markets of 2020-2022. Even in Toronto and Hamilton, stalled deals are most often linked to inspection issues (not financing).?
A pre-listing inspection means you:
If you’re thinking about selling and want a proactive strategy (or early insights into YOUR home’s likely inspection points), contact us for a personalized approach and a seamless experience from start to sold.
Between accepting an offer and closing day, a lot can happen—and some deals fall apart at the last minute. While Ontario’s market is seeing more new listings and cooling prices, almost 1 in 7 sales still don’t make it to the finish line. Most sellers never face this, but understanding what causes these hiccups helps you avoid becoming a statistic.?
One of the biggest culprits? Inspection and repair surprises. With buyers more cost-conscious after the rapid price increases (and now, much higher borrowing costs), anything unexpected during an inspection can send them running. Buyers have more choice—and less patience—than during the ultra-hot markets of 2020-2022. Even in Toronto and Hamilton, stalled deals are most often linked to inspection issues (not financing).?
What can you do?
Consider a pre-listing inspection. It’s an easy step that Ontario sellers and their REALTORS® can use to spot—and fix—potential deal breakers before a For Sale sign ever goes up.A pre-listing inspection means you:
- Know what repairs or updates are likely to come up on the buyer’s inspection.
- Have time to address big-ticket issues or disclose them openly up front.
- Can market your house as ‘move-in ready’—making it more appealing and competitive.
Is it always recommended?
Not every Ontario sale demands a pre-listing inspection, but if inventory is rising and buyers are picky in your neighbourhood, it’s a smart move. Reach out and connect with one of our team members—they’ll know whether similar sellers are seeing better results with this approach, and can point you toward trusted professionals.Bottom Line
Don’t let last-minute surprises trip up your sale. Get ahead of the issues, work with an experienced agent, and consider a pre-listing inspection if it fits your market. That way, you can cross the finish line with confidence.If you’re thinking about selling and want a proactive strategy (or early insights into YOUR home’s likely inspection points), contact us for a personalized approach and a seamless experience from start to sold.
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