Redfin

JUNE 11, 2025

This Redfin article explains how contingencies work, which ones to expect, and how they help you avoid costly setbacks during the homebuying process. Home inspection contingency This is one of the most frequently used contingencies in real estate.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

Here are some general guidelines: In a competitive market, homes tend to get multiple offers and sell for around list price or higher. In a less competitive market, or if a home has been for sale for 30 days or more, successful offers under list price are more common. Do some homework up front.

Pre-approval

Lab Coat Agents

JULY 31, 2025

They can:  Set up automated email marketing sequences for buyer and seller leads  Use platforms like Zapier to link tools (e.g., A VA can generate reports to help you track performance and refine your marketing strategies.  A VA with a background in marketing can help you stay visible and relevant online. 

Pre-qualification

Windemere Buying

MAY 19, 2025

And while including contingencies offers protection and negotiation leverage, removing them can be an effective strategic move too, especially in a competitive market. In a sellers market , competition amongst buyers is high, and they often face multiple-offer situations.

Home sale contingency

Redfin

JULY 2, 2025

The below are common reasons that buyers back out of a home sale: Home inspection: If a professional home inspection uncovers structural defects, mold, pest infestations, or safety hazards, the buyer can invoke the inspection contingency. Financing: Even with pre-approval, buyers might fail to secure a mortgage.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

In some states, buyers may also pay due diligence money—a non-refundable fee paid directly to the seller in exchange for this inspection window. While not required everywhere, it’s an important part of the process in certain markets and is separate from the earnest money deposit. This only applies in certain states.

Due diligence

Redfin

JULY 21, 2025

They may be preparing to make a competitive offer: In fast-moving markets, buyers want to know if there’s a deadline or multiple offers in play so they can act quickly and strategically. However, timelines can vary depending on how competitive the market is and whether the buyer is still viewing other properties.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 10, 2025

Often refundable if contingencies aren’t met Typically non-refundable When Paid? After offer acceptance At the start of the due diligence period Purpose Shows buyer commitment and secures the contract Compensates seller for taking property off the market Applied to purchase? Can strengthen a buyer’s offer in a competitive market.

Due diligence

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Prioritize agents with strong local market knowledge, a proven history of working with first-time homebuyers, and a compatible working style. But waiting for a house that checks every single box can leave you stuck in an endless search, especially in a competitive market. When is a good time to purchase a home?

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Buying a home can be a stressful, lengthy process, especially if your area is experiencing a seller’s market where there are more buyers looking to purchase than there are homes for sale. But first, learn what contingencies are, why it’s risky to waive them and how you can use them to your advantage. What does ‘no contingency’ mean?

Earnest money deposit

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

This will assure them that they can safely take their home off the market and sell it to you. The Essentials of Home Deposits When you make an offer on a house , you want the seller to take their property off the market. Typically, you can expect to have to pay more in hotter markets. Let’s take a look.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 16, 2025

What sellers can and can’t do under contract Once a purchase agreement is signed, the seller is no longer free to market the property, entertain new offers, or accept a better deal—unless the contract specifically allows it. However, in slower markets or when buyers are less qualified, backup offers have a higher chance of being activated.

Backup offer

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

The right agent will have expertise on the housing market , understand the area inside and out, be familiar with local listing agents, and know how to negotiate. Ask your agent targeted questions about the property’s history, neighborhood, and market trends. Their insights can reveal hidden pros and cons you might miss. >

Pre-approval

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

Most offers involve some sort of contingency, and certain contingencies are especially popular in buyer’s markets where buyers have control. In a seller’s market, the seller may have an abundance of offers. One way buyers will make their offer stand out is to waive their contingencies.

Inspection contingency

Redfin

MARCH 18, 2025

This deposit is usually between 1% and 3% of the homes purchase price, but the amount can vary based on the local market and the agreement between you and the seller. You back out due to a contingency you get your earnest money back Most purchase agreements include contingencies that allow you to cancel the deal without penalty.

Closing

Redfin

JUNE 25, 2025

Who pays for repairs after the inspection? It depends on the inspection negotiation. In competitive markets, buyers may choose to take the home as-is and handle repairs later. >>Read: >>Read: Who Pays for the Home Inspection: Buyers or Sellers? Can I back out of a purchase after the inspection?

Inspection

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

These properties are often priced below market value, making them attractive to buyers looking for a good deal or hoping to build equity quickly. However, chances are you can buy the home below market value and you wont need to negotiate with a seller or bank. These savings can be substantial if the home is listed below market value.

Pre-approval

Redfin

MARCH 7, 2025

While the buyer is usually responsible, there are some exceptions, especially if the seller is motivated or the buyer is in a highly competitive market. When do sellers pay for the home inspection? While it’s not the norm, there are situations where the seller pays for the home inspection.

Inspection

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

After the chaos of the pandemic and a booming seller’s market, 2023 might be a better time to buy a house. A pre-approval letter must be included, and proof of funds can also help in a seller’s market. The seller might return with a counteroffer based on your offer’s price, contingencies, or other terms.

Purchase and sale agreement

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

One common exception to making your offer contingent on getting a home inspection is if the seller has recently had such an inspection done. Sometimes they will do so before putting a home on the market so there aren’t any issues when they get an offer on it. Never assume a newer home can’t have any issues.

Inspection

The Close

MARCH 11, 2025

Market trends report (Source: Realtor.com) The following are neighborhood attributes to consider and how they might positively influence property value: Proximity to amenities: Homes near shopping centers, parks, and recreational areas often have higher value due to convenience and leisure options.

Sales

Redfin

AUGUST 4, 2025

Research the local market Understanding the fair market value of a home is critical. ” Focus on: Sale prices of homes with similar size, age, and features The average price per square foot How long properties are staying on the market Also, look at the broader market trends. .” Don’t ignore market context.

Earnest money deposit

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Not Exploring All Your Options Like any other marketplace, the real estate market requires you to shop around first before making any impulsive decisions. This is even more true if you’re buying a home in a sellers market , which is the case in many real estate markets across the Country! Top of the list is your budget.

Inspection

Redfin

JULY 11, 2025

These protections usually come in the form of contingencies , which are clauses that allow you to walk away from the sale without penalty if certain conditions aren’t met. No, earnest money isn’t legally required, but in most markets, it’s standard practice. However, doing so limits their ability to cancel the contract without penalty.

Earnest money deposit

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Every real estate market is different, therefore, the best time to sell a home will be different from real estate community to real estate community. For example, the spring market in the Webster, New York real estate community maybe April, May, and June while the spring market in Coral Springs, Florida maybe March & April.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Buyers can benefit from the leg up in a competitive housing market, avoid mortgage fees and interest rates and save money in the long run. Reasons to make a cash offer on a house Buying a house with cash is more common in a seller’s market, which means that there is a high demand for an extremely limited pool of homes. Don’t do it.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

APRIL 25, 2025

In Maricopas ever-changing real estate market, knowing your options can give you a real advantage. Since the buyer already has funds in hand, theres no waiting on mortgage approvals or worrying about inspection contingencies. After reviewing your homes condition and current market trends, the cash buyer makes an offer.

Inspection contingency

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

The interviews revealed that buyers in some markets are more open to taking on some of the cost of compensating their agents. While Redfin agents are seeing more negotiations, it’s more common in some markets than others. We’ve found a tale of two markets,” Fairweather said.

Earnest money deposit

Housing Wire

OCTOBER 27, 2020

In today’s hot market, buyers are doing all they can to stand out. Some are waiving inspection contingencies, while others are avoiding repair requests, opting to handle home repairs, fixes and upgrades as needed later on. It’s by far the best in terms of value vs. cost,” the platform’s expert say. The bottom line.

Inspection contingency

Keeping Current Matters

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

Today’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. A recent article from Freddie Mac offers guidance on making an offer on a home in today’s market. These are both results of today’s competitive market, showing how important it is to stay agile and vigilant in your search. Be a Flexible Negotiator.

Inspection contingency

Keeping Current Matters

MARCH 11, 2022

Knowing key housing terms and how they relate to today’s market is important. Terms like appraisal (what lenders rely on to validate a home’s value) and the inspection contingency (which gives buyers essential information on a home’s condition) directly impact the transaction. Some Highlights.

Inspection contingency

Keeping Current Matters

MARCH 15, 2021

Today’s homebuyers are faced with a strong sellers’ market , which means there are a lot of active buyers competing for a relatively low number of available homes. offers and is on the market for just 21 days. These are both results of today’s competitive market, showing how important it is to stay agile and alert in your search.

Inspection contingency

Keeping Current Matters

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

In today’s sellers’ market , standing out as a buyer is critical. Speed and the pace of sales are contributing factors to today’s competitive housing market. According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average home is on the market for just 17 days. Bottom Line.

Inspection contingency

Keeping Current Matters

JUNE 21, 2021

The problem is, in today’s market there just aren’t that many homes available to purchase. Today’s market is dynamic and fast-paced. In today’s market, that’s often not the case. In such a competitive market, emotions and prices can run high. Just remember, there are certain contingencies you don’t want to forego.

Inspection contingency

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

A housing market marked by relatively high interest rates and tight inventory — and punctuated by the practice of home inspection waivers to sweeten offers — are taking a bite out of business for home inspectors, who play a key role in the sales process by ensuring that buyers are not being sold a lemon of a house. and Canada.

Inspection

HomeLight

JUNE 9, 2023

Most real estate contracts — or roughly 80% — contain contingencies , according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). As of 2023, 79% of contracts included an inspection contingency while 82% contained an appraisal contingency. What are the most common contingencies?

Home sale contingency

Realty Biz

AUGUST 3, 2020

markets waived the inspection contingency , compared to just 13.2% of successful offers also waived the appraisal contingency, up from 17.4% The inspection contingency allows the buyer to cancel a purchase or request repairs are made to the property following a home inspection. In addition, 20.6%

Inspection contingency