why real estate deals fall apart — and how to close them anyway
Most real estate deals don’t fall apart because of price — they fall apart because of problems. Conflicts between owners. Buyer pressure tactics. Complicated tenancies. Regulatory surprises. If you’ve ever thought “my property might be too complicated to sell”, these case studies prove otherwise.
This article is part of a continuing series on real-world deals — showing how the right strategy turns difficult properties into closed transactions, even when the odds are against it.
even complex deals can close if you handle them right
Vancouver landowners often assume that if a property is valuable, the sale will be straightforward. But that’s rarely the case. Zoning misalignment, aging buildings, estate conflicts, un-permitted suites, pressure from buyers, or a challenging backstory — these are the norm, not the exception.
The question isn’t whether problems will arise. The question is whether the agent representing the deal is prepared to handle them.
Here are four real-world examples of deals that could have collapsed — and what it took to bring them to a successful close.
when a deal collapses twice and still closes
The nine owners at 15989 Marine Drive, White Rock had been through two collapsed offers, two failed listings, and years of infighting. The building was in rough shape, and relationships were strained.
This wasn’t about marketing. It was about rebuilding trust, aligning stakeholders, and managing the sale with care. I personally qualified buyers, hosted rooftop tours with contractors, and created custom underwriting criteria that supported a clean, confident offer.
Result: The right buyer, a clear decision, and a successful close.
when a buyer uses pressure tactics and you call their bluff
At 475 W 42nd Ave, Vancouver, a major buyer already had the adjacent lots under contract. They pressured my client to accept a below-market price — suggesting we’d be “left behind.”
But the zoning didn’t support their plan without our lot. And once I performed a thorough review of the site, it was clear: their project didn’t work without us. We held the line.
Result: The buyer returned and paid full price. The adjacent assembly was dropped.
when everything is working against you but the deal still closes
610 Laird St in Fraser Lake was the largest apartment in a town of 1,000 people. Three collapsed deals. Two and a half years on the market. Most would have walked away.
Instead, we stayed the course. The buyer pool was limited — but the right one surfaced. We structured a deal that reflected the property’s true value and completed the sale for a happy seller.
Result: A closed transaction where others had failed.
when the story isn’t easy to tell but honesty wins
At 46101 Princess Ave, Chilliwack, a fatal shooting had taken place on the property. Some agents might try to minimize that.
We didn’t. The incident was acknowledged in the listing — transparently, factually. It filtered out the wrong buyers and allowed the right ones to engage without hesitation.
Result: A smooth, surprise-free closing.
what this means for you as a landowner
If you’re holding multifamily land in Vancouver — especially if it’s been in the family for years, caught up in neighbour issues, or tied up in tenancy — the sale may not be simple. But with the right strategy, it can still be successful.
The difference isn’t luck. It’s leadership.
You need:
Strategy rooted in planning, not pressure
Steady guidance that keeps emotions and egos in check
A process built to manage complexity and protect your outcome
Every deal has problems. The right approach turns them into possibilities.
let’s talk about your property
If you’re wondering what your land might be worth, or just want a second opinion on how to move forward, let’s connect. No pressure, no pitch — just a clear conversation grounded in experience.
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