Redfin

JUNE 11, 2025

In this article: Home inspection contingency Appraisal contingency Financing contingency Title contingency Home sale contingency Home insurance contingency Kick-out clause FAQs about contingencies in real estate 1. Home inspection contingency This is one of the most frequently used contingencies in real estate.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 30, 2025

First, what is a real estate offer? A real estate offer is a formal, written proposal to purchase a home. It typically includes: The purchase price Contingencies (like financing or inspections) Requests for the seller (such as covering closing costs or repairs) Other key dates (including response deadline, closing date, etc.

Earnest money deposit

First Team Real Estate

AUGUST 8, 2021

The only way around re-listing is to accept backup offers, so during the planning phase of your home sale, talk to your listing agent about the pros and cons of backup offers. What does it mean when it says accepting backup offers? What is a backup offer? Backup offers, however, can be tricky.

Backup offer

HomeLight

JUNE 29, 2022

As interest rates start increasing, as they are right now in 2022 , sellers may not have as many backup offers to consider as they would when rates were low. Price your house right to attract competitive offers. Require a sizable earnest money deposit. Double-check repair requests with trusted professionals.

Earnest money deposit

Realty Biz

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

They will also get their earnest money deposit back , and the home will go back on the market. Home Inspection Contingency. Home inspections are one of the biggest hurdles in home sales. In real estate jargon, this is referred to as a “backup offer.”

Backup offer

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Before inspections, you may fear the state of the home or the seller’s willingness to negotiate repairs if the home needs serious work. The home will revert to “option pending” on the market and sellers can only accept backup offers during this time. Type of inspections needed for the buyer to do their due diligence.

Option period

RIS Media

MAY 19, 2021

The contingent status typically allows the home to be shown to other possible buyers, allowing backup offers to be made. Common real estate contingencies include the following: Inspection Contingencies. The most common contingency is the home inspection contingency. Appraisal Contingencies.

Purchase and sale agreement