Redfin

JUNE 11, 2025

In real estate, contingencies are conditions included in a purchase agreement that must be met for the transaction to move forward. Although not required, contingencies are standard in most real estate contracts – and some are especially important depending on where you’re buying.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 16, 2025

Key takeaway: Once a home is under contract, the seller is legally bound to the agreement and cannot accept another offer – unless specific clauses or contingencies allow it. When a house goes “ under contract ,” most buyers assume the deal is sealed – but can a seller accept another offer while under contract?

Backup offer

HomeLight

MARCH 20, 2023

That means a large majority of homebuyers must consider the sale of their current home prior to buying a new one. At the same time, it usually does not make sense for buyers to sell their home without having a new one lined up to move into. Most often, this type of scenario calls for a home sale contingency.

Home sale contingency

Point2Homes

DECEMBER 8, 2020

When searching for the ideal home, expect to encounter a few issues along the way, such as homes listed as contingent. But, what does contingent mean and how does it affect your purchase? A home listed as contingent means the seller has accepted an offer. Contingent Statuses.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

JUNE 9, 2023

A property listed as “contingent” in real estate means the seller has accepted an offer, but the deal isn’t fully closed yet. The final sale hangs in the balance, waiting for certain conditions or “contingencies” to be met. Get Started Are contingencies common in real estate? “All

Home sale contingency

HomeLight

JANUARY 13, 2022

These conditions are known as contingencies, which is where the term “active contingent” comes from. Many offers contain contingencies. In May 2020, 76% of closed sales contained purchase contingencies, a survey from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) found.

Backup offer

HomeLight

JULY 6, 2023

In the meantime, with a “Contingent” status, the seller is typically allowed to continue showing the home and accept backup offers in the event something goes awry. So what are the contract stipulations that put a listing into that “Contingent” stage, and how common is it for a property to hang in closing limbo?

MLS