Top 3 Real Estate Deal Killers and How To Avoid Them

By Jeff Burke

We bring professionalism, a high level of communication, negotiation, and execution to all our clients. We serve the greater Lansing and Grand Rapids- West MI area, where we are committed to protecting our client’s best interest and giving that 5-star experience!

Most real estate deals don’t fall apart because of major issues - they fail because of small, overlooked details that appear at the last minute and stop the transaction. These silent deal killers often catch buyers and sellers off guard. Here are the three I see most often:

1. Poor communication. Deals rarely collapse because of price alone. They fail when communication breaks down. A delay in answering an email or missing a document deadline can quickly kill momentum. When one party stops talking or responding, trust erodes, and small issues begin to snowball into larger problems. Staying engaged, responsive, and proactive throughout the process is essential to keeping a deal alive.

2. Financing problems. Financing issues are another frequent cause of failed transactions. The most common issue is buyers confusing pre-qualification with pre-approval. These are not the same. Pre-qualification is a basic assessment, while pre-approval involves a thorough review of income, assets, and credit. Without full pre-approval, last-minute financing issues can surface, leaving the deal with no way forward.

3. Inspection surprises. No home is perfect, but skipping a pre-listing inspection or going into repair negotiations unprepared can cause unnecessary stress. Unexpected inspection results can trigger disputes between buyers and sellers, slowing the process or even ending it entirely. Proper preparation ensures that repairs, adjustments, or credits are addressed efficiently, keeping the agreement intact.

Real estate is not just about finding the right home; it’s about navigating the details so these silent deal killers never have a chance to appear. If you have questions or need guidance, just reach out. Feel free to call or text me at (517) 853-6385 or email me at jeff@jeffburkeassociates.com. I look forward to hearing from you.