Kingston, Jamaica – August 2025
With Jamaica’s real estate market continuing to attract both local and overseas buyers, industry professionals are turning their attention to an often-overlooked challenge: ensuring sales actually close once an offer is accepted.
While international reports, including recent data from U.S.-based Redfin, show that nearly 15% of pending home sales fell through in June 2025, Jamaican realtors say the lesson is clear for the local market: behind-the-scenes work is now more critical than ever to prevent deals from collapsing before closing.
Common Reasons Sales Collapse
According to realtors, property transactions in Jamaica can unravel for a variety of reasons. These include unresolved title issues, unexpected findings from home inspections, delays in mortgage approvals, and simple buyer hesitation once costs mount.
Dean Jones, Founder of Jamaica Homes and Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker Jamaica Realty, described the challenge in frank terms:
“A deal isn’t won when an offer is accepted — it’s won when the keys change hands. Everything in between requires discipline, patience, and proactive care.”
Pre-Listing Inspections Gaining Ground
One method gaining traction among sellers is the pre-listing inspection. Though not yet widespread in Jamaica, realtors argue that inspecting a property before listing it helps uncover hidden issues early. This allows sellers to make necessary repairs or disclose problems transparently.
Jones noted that the move builds credibility in a market where trust plays a central role.
“In Jamaica, trust is as valuable as title. When buyers see honesty in the process, they lean in rather than lean out.”
The process, he added, is something more sellers should discuss with their realtors when preparing to list their homes.
Title and Documentation Issues a Major Factor
Legal bottlenecks remain a frequent hurdle. In many cases, properties being sold are inherited, but titles have not been updated or probate has not been finalized. Realtors warn that this can extend timelines by months or even years.
Jones and his team at Jamaica Homes advise property owners to resolve title concerns well before marketing their properties.
Financing Delays Still Plague Market
Banks across Jamaica continue to face scrutiny for slow mortgage approval processes. Buyers often wait weeks for responses, leading to frustration and, in some cases, withdrawals from transactions.
To avoid this, Jones said sellers should prioritize buyers who have been pre-approved by their bank.
“Every deal is a relay race. The baton passes from seller to buyer, buyer to bank, and bank to attorney. A good realtor makes sure nobody drops it along the way.”
This type of buyer vetting is increasingly handled quietly by realtors in the background, ensuring only serious candidates move forward.
Repairs and Expectations
When issues are discovered in inspections — ranging from termites to roofing problems — sellers often fear renegotiation or cancellation. However, industry experts say these can be managed with foresight.
Proactive repairs, budgeting for concessions, and framing defects as manageable are all tactics now being employed.
One Kingston attorney remarked that, “No deal ever collapsed because a hinge squeaked, but plenty have collapsed because the roof did.”
Realtors’ Role Expands
Beyond inspections and title checks, much of the heavy lifting falls on realtors, who are increasingly acting as coordinators between attorneys, banks, valuers, and surveyors.
Transactions in Jamaica often hinge on the efficiency of these professionals, and realtors are stepping in to provide oversight, weekly reminders, and constant follow-ups to keep the process moving.
“Selling a house is not selling four walls — it is selling peace of mind. And in Jamaica, peace of mind is priceless.” — Dean Jones
A Growing Emphasis on Background Work
Industry insiders agree that while property marketing and negotiations get the most attention, it is the quiet background work — document checks, financial vetting, and consistent follow-ups — that truly determines whether deals succeed.
Jones offered a final reflection:
“A successful closing isn’t luck. It is the outcome of invisible work — the quiet persistence behind the scenes that turns signatures into keys.”
Looking Ahead
With increased demand from both Jamaicans at home and the diaspora abroad, the market shows no signs of slowing. However, as the sector grows, so too does the need for sellers to prepare more thoroughly.
Industry professionals encourage sellers to consult with experienced realtors, such as those at Jamaica Homes, to ensure that what begins as an offer ends with a successful closing.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Readers should consult with qualified professionals, including licensed realtors, attorneys, and financial advisors, before making any property-related decisions. Jamaica Homes is not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this article.