It’s Not the Home Inspector Who Kills the Deal — It’s the Condition of the Home
December 2025
As real estate professionals, you’ve all heard someone frustrated say, “The inspection killed the deal.” It’s a common reaction — but the data tells a very different story.
This is designed to give agents clear, research-backed talking points to use with clients and colleagues, reinforcing that the agent-inspector relationship is a powerful partnership built on integrity and shared commitment to client confidence.
What the Numbers Really Say About Inspections
86% of buyers say the home inspection increased their confidence in the purchase
Source: ASHI
Inspections don’t create fear — they create clarity.
Most buyers move forward more confidently after an inspection, not less.
Only 9% of agents believe inspectors intentionally kill deals
Source: NAR® Member Survey
The industry overwhelmingly recognizes inspectors as neutral, not adversarial.
The top reasons deals fall through:
- Financing issues (37%)
- Appraisal issues (18%)
- Inspection issues (just 10–12%)Source: NAR Realtors® Confidence Index, 2024
And when deals fall apart over an inspection, statistics show it’s typically due to major, costly problems — not minor items or the inspector’s communication style.
72% of deal-breaking inspection outcomes involve significant defects
Source: Porch Home Inspection Study
These include:
- Structural problems
- Water intrusion or mold
- Roof failure
- Unsafe electrical panels
- HVAC systems at end-of-life
These issues existed long before anyone scheduled the inspection.
Why Inspectors Sometimes Get Blamed
It’s human nature: when a large issue surfaces, the messenger often gets blamed.
But research shows buyers overwhelmingly prefer transparency.
- 88% of buyers use an inspection contingency.
- 84% say they would not buy a home without an inspection.
Source: Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report
An inspection is not a roadblock — it’s a safety net.
The Inspector’s True Role: Neutral, Not Negative
A professional inspector doesn’t:
Fail homes
Create problems
“Kill” deals
We simply document what the home presents. Your role is to help clients interpret that information and guide them toward solutions. Our role is to give you accurate, unbiased data to do that. Together, we’re a team working toward the same goal: A confident buyer, a protected seller, and a smooth transaction.
We’re Here to Help the Transaction — Not Hinder It
At Hometown Inspection, we’re committed to:
- Clear, calm, and factual communication
- Thorough but non-alarmist reporting
- Supporting agents with fast turnaround and accessible explanations
- Being a neutral third-party watchdog for safety and structure
Our goal is the same as every agent’s goal:
A confident buyer, a fully informed seller, and a successful closing built on transparency.
How Agents Can Use Inspection Findings to Protect Their Clients
A strong agent knows how to:
- Set expectations early
- Prepare buyers for the likelihood of common defects
- Educate sellers about pre-listing repairs
- Keep negotiations calm and fact-based
- Lean on the inspector for clarification, not confrontation
Transparency protects everyone — and avoids surprises that cause emotions to spike.
A Deal Isn’t Lost Because of an Inspector — It’s Lost Because of the Condition of the Home
Here’s the truth the data supports:
If a deal goes sideways after an inspection, it’s almost always because the buyer:
- Wasn’t financially prepared for the repairs
- Felt overwhelmed by significant issues
- Couldn’t negotiate agreeable terms with the seller
Not because of the inspector.
We don’t change the condition of the home — we just reveal it.
What Agents Can Expect From Us at Hometown Inspection Services
We know the value of strong partnerships with real estate professionals. When you work with us, we provide:
Clear, calm communication
We avoid alarmist language and talk in real-world terms your clients understand.
Balanced, factual reporting
Our goal is to inform clients while maintaining perspective.
Accessibility
We take the time to explain findings — to you and your clients — so no one feels left in the dark.
Consistency
You know what you’ll get every time:
Professionalism, accuracy, and respect for your role in the process.
Inspectors and Agents Are Stronger Together
When we work as partners, clients feel supported by a united, professional team.
- Buyers trust the process.
- Sellers understand the expectations.
- Transactions move more smoothly.
- The inspection isn’t the enemy — misinformation is.
- And a well-informed agent is one of the most powerful tools in a successful real estate transaction.
