Redfin

JULY 14, 2025

When that breach isn’t protected by a contingency, the seller may have the right to keep the earnest money as compensation for lost time and missed opportunities. Performing unauthorized inspections or repairs. Example scenario: The buyer’s contract requires them to provide a mortgage commitment letter by a certain date.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

A mortgage pre-approval can also reassure the letter that your financing is likely to be approved during closing. Combine inspections. If you want to inspect for lead, oil, or other specific issues, consider looking into these as part of a general inspection contingency, rather than including separate contingencies for each one.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Key Takeaways: Shopping mortgage rates, reviewing your credit report, and looking into first-time home buyer programs can improve your financial situation and increase your choices. Don’t skip critical steps like the home inspection or negotiating closing costs. For instance, on a $350,000 mortgage, a 3.5%

Pre-approval

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

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Typical Contingencies That Would Allow The Return of Your Earnest Money What Are Some Of The Most Common Real Estate Contingencies? Home inspections Mortgage contingency Real Estate Appraisal Home sale contingency These are the most typical contingencies that could allow for the return of your home deposit.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Here are the most common contingency clauses that a buyer may include in an offer to allow them to break their contract and walk away from the deal without losing their earnest money: Inspection contingency: This protects a buyer against purchasing a home that is revealed to be in poor condition or requires major repairs.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

Get pre-approved for a mortgage Estimated time: 1-2 weeks A mortgage pre-approva l is a lender’s assessment of how much they’re willing to lend you based on your income, assets, debts, and credit history. It’s best to shop around to find the best rate and determine the best type of mortgage loan for you.

Pre-approval

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Your Credit Score With a better credit score , you will find it easier to get a mortgage and with better terms from the lender. A mortgage lender will check your credit score and financial history to decide how much they can lend to you. Compare what at least 3 lenders offer or go to a mortgage broker to find a lower interest rate.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

This delay is the result of the due diligence period, where the buyer will conduct inspections and other research before actually signing any papers. For example, if the home inspection reveals extensive repairs, the buyer may be able to terminate the agreement due to a home inspection contingency.

Closing

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

All mortgages place a lien on the property in the event that a lender needs to take ownership of the home. That means there’s no home inspection or appraisal. Government-owned properties Some mortgages are government-backed, like VA loans and FHA loans. What is foreclosure?

Pre-approval

The Close

MARCH 11, 2025

Various financing options exist for FSBO properties, like traditional mortgages, hard money loans, and private investors. Blanket mortgages: Ideal for investors aiming to finance several FSBO properties collectively by leveraging a single loan through a process termed cross-collateralization.

Sales

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

There are several kinds of contingencies , ranging from home inspection to home sale, and it can be confusing to know what to expect when receiving a contingent offer. Mortgage contingency: Gives the buyer a specific period of time to get home financing Appraisal contingency: Usually used for lender protection.

Inspection contingency

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Skipping A Full Professional Home Inspection Due to the current state of many real estate markets, many homebuyers are electing to waive their home inspection. Buyers are finding that by including a home inspection contingency, that they’re losing out on home after home.

Inspection

Redfin

JULY 11, 2025

Buyer is unable to secure financing A financing or mortgage contingency protects buyers if they’re unable to get approved for a home loan. Buyer is unable to secure financing A financing or mortgage contingency protects buyers if they’re unable to get approved for a home loan.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 21, 2025

Common contingencies include: Financing contingency: Protects buyers if they can’t secure a mortgage loan. This contingency ensures the buyer isn’t penalized if a lender denies their loan application. Home inspection contingency : Allows termination if major issues are found during the inspection.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

AUGUST 4, 2025

A professional home inspection will reveal potential issues such as roof damage, plumbing problems, or outdated systems. Never skip the inspection — it’s one of your best tools in determining how to negotiate real estate price with confidence. Do you already have mortgage pre-approval? Are you willing to waive minor repairs?

Earnest money deposit

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

This can avoid potential issues and/or lawsuits once your home is under contract, after inspections, and even years after you have sold your home. For example, a buyer who qualifies for an FHA mortgage can receive up to 6% of the purchase price towards their closing costs. How does the inspection phase work?

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

As of December 2024, 18% of buyers waived the appraisal contingency , with other buyers waiving, for example, inspection contingencies to likewise make their offers more enticing to sellers. The appraisal contingency is there to protect the buyer in case of any issues surrounding your appraisal.

Inspection contingency

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. Taking out a mortgage is, of course, an option as well. Avoid paying interest: By paying all cash and not taking out a mortgage, you can avoid paying interest.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

APRIL 25, 2025

Foreclosure is looming: If you’re struggling with mortgage payments, selling your home can help you avoid the negative consequences of foreclosure. Since the buyer already has funds in hand, theres no waiting on mortgage approvals or worrying about inspection contingencies.

Inspection contingency

Keeping Current Matters

MARCH 11, 2022

For example, when mortgage rates and home prices rise, it impacts how much home you can afford. 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.

Inspection contingency

Realty Biz

DECEMBER 5, 2022

One of the most vital phases of buying a house is having it inspected. Home inspections over the last few years were few and far between. The crazy hot seller's market forced many home buyers into forgoing their inspection. It has led to home inspections coming back in vogue again.

Inspection

Lighter Side of Real Estate

AUGUST 16, 2022

In case the term isn’t something you use in day to day life, a contingency is a clause in the contract that is in place to protect the buyer. The most common ones are: Mortgage contingency: If the buyer’s mortgage isn’t approved, they can back out of the contract. Waiving a home inspection isn’t ideal.

Inspection

HomeLight

MARCH 2, 2022

Up next: The home inspection. Once the buyer orders a home inspection, your home is in the hot seat. Even if you’ve gone through the house with a fine-tooth comb and listed anything and everything on the seller’s disclosure , the home inspection might reveal issues that you weren’t aware of or are worse than you thought.

Inspection

Realty Biz

OCTOBER 19, 2022

The home inspection is part of the process that can lead to problems, but what does a home inspector do? The home inspection is the buyer's opportunity to get a professional opinion on the home's condition. If you are unsure about what does a home inspection cover, we take a look so that you are better informed. Others do not.

Inspection

HomeLight

JUNE 9, 2023

The final sale hangs in the balance, waiting for certain conditions or “contingencies” to be met. These conditions can be anything from the buyer securing a mortgage, the home inspection clearing, or the sale of the buyer’s current home. What are the most common contingencies?

Home sale contingency

Realtor.com

OCTOBER 29, 2020

These are the most common contingencies that are part of your new home closing process: Home inspection contingency: This gives buyers the right to have the home professionally inspected. It’s rarely advisable to waive an inspection contingency. Get final mortgage approval. Clear the title.

Closing

HomeLight

JANUARY 31, 2024

Contingencies are designed to protect both parties involved, allowing the buyer to back out of the purchase without penalty under specific circumstances, such as issues discovered during a home inspection or difficulties obtaining financing. How long can a house be contingent?

Purchase and sale agreement

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. who did so in June 2019.

Inspection contingency

Redfin

AUGUST 26, 2020

A savvy homebuyer will schedule a home inspection for any home they’re serious about buying. In case you’re thinking of waiving the home inspection contingency, you should also be aware that some lenders require a home inspection as a necessary step before they finalize your home loan. Local laws.

Inspection

Realty Biz

FEBRUARY 20, 2021

The home buying contingencies below should be completely understood before signing on the dotted line of a purchase and sale agreement. Home inspection: often called a due diligence contingency, will give the buyer rights to have the house inspected. Most buyers will have a home inspection contingency in their contract.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

OCTOBER 30, 2020

And if you add a home sale contingency into the mix (that is, if you need to sell your current home before you can buy a new one), closing the deal can take even longer. With a mortgage, there are all kinds of things that can go wrong to delay closing — financing issues and appraisals coming in low are two of the most common.

Closing

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Types of contingencies Several common types of contingencies can cause a home to be listed as “contingent.” ” These include: Inspection contingencies: This allows the buyer to have the home inspected within a certain timeframe.

Inspection contingency

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

Generally, an appraisal contingency protects a buyer when a home they’ve made an offer on appraises for less than the amount the buyer offered to pay. Appraisal contingencies are just one type of contingency. Other types include a sales contingency , financing contingency, and inspection contingency.

Inspection contingency

HomeLight

DECEMBER 30, 2023

Contingencies while ‘under contract’ Here are some common types of contingencies in residential home sales: Financing contingency: A financing or mortgage contingency safeguards buyers who need to finalize a home loan. If the buyer fails to secure financing, they can withdraw without losing their deposit.

Home sale contingency

Point2Homes

DECEMBER 8, 2020

A home listed as contingent means the seller has accepted an offer. However, before the sale can go to closing, certain contingencies must be met. These clauses are defined in the sales contract and often have to do with home inspections, mortgage approvals and appraisals.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

But first, you have to sell your old home, potentially secure financing, and secure a home appraisal (and likely an inspection) on your new house. Most purchase agreements have some terms in place that must be met for the deal to go through, such as having a home inspection completed. Financing contingency. Kick-out clause.

Purchase and sale agreement