Should You Accept an Offer Contingent on the Buyer Selling Their Home?

When selling your home, one of the most common questions that comes up during negotiations is whether to accept an offer that is contingent on the buyer selling their current home.

For many sellers, this type of offer can feel uncertain. But depending on the situation, it may still be a strong and viable option.

At the Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team, helping sellers analyze and negotiate offers is one of the most important parts of our role. Understanding how these contingencies work allows sellers to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

What Does “Contingent on the Sale of the Buyer’s Home” Mean?

A home sale contingency means the buyer must sell their current home before they can complete the purchase of yours.

In simple terms, the buyer is saying:

"We want to buy your home, but we need the proceeds from selling our current home in order to do so."

Because the buyer’s purchase depends on another transaction, the timeline and certainty of closing can feel less predictable to sellers.

Why These Offers Are Common

Home sale contingencies are very common, especially for move-up buyers or homeowners who need the equity from their current property to purchase their next home.

In many markets—including here in the Twin Cities—many buyers are selling and buying at the same time.

This means sellers will often encounter buyers who need to sell their existing home before completing their purchase.

Not All Home Sale Contingencies Are the Same

One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make is assuming every contingent offer carries the same level of risk.

The strength of the offer often depends on the status of the buyer’s home.

For example, a buyer’s home may be:

• Already on the market
• Under contract
• Not yet listed

Each of these situations carries a different level of certainty.

If the buyer’s home is already under contract, the contingency may pose very little risk. On the other hand, if their home has not yet been listed, the timeline may be less predictable.

This is where careful evaluation becomes essential.

How Sellers Can Reduce Risk

When reviewing offers that include a home sale contingency, experienced listing agents will often look for ways to protect the seller while still keeping the deal together.

Common strategies may include:

• Requiring the buyer’s home to be listed within a certain timeframe
• Reviewing pricing and marketability of the buyer’s home
• Including a kick-out clause, allowing the seller to continue marketing the property
• Negotiating timelines that align with the seller’s goals

At the Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team, we carefully analyze each offer and help our sellers understand the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.

The Highest Offer Isn’t Always the Best Offer

While price is important, it’s not the only factor when choosing an offer.

Sellers should also consider:

• The strength of the buyer’s financing
• The likelihood the buyer’s home will sell quickly
• The overall timeline of the transaction
• Inspection and closing terms

Sometimes a contingent offer may actually provide the best overall terms once all factors are considered.

This is why strong listing strategy and experienced negotiation play such a critical role in a successful sale.

Expert Guidance Makes a Difference

Evaluating contingent offers is one of the areas where professional guidance can make the biggest impact.

The Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team specializes in listing strategy and offer negotiations, helping sellers carefully review each offer and structure deals that move smoothly toward closing.

With more than two decades of experience helping homeowners in the Twin Cities sell their homes, we guide our clients through every step of the process—from pricing and preparation to reviewing and negotiating offers.

Final Thoughts

An offer contingent on the buyer selling their home is not automatically a bad offer. In many cases, these buyers are serious, qualified, and simply need to complete the sale of their current property first.

The key is understanding the full picture and evaluating the details carefully before making a decision.

With the right strategy and negotiation expertise, sellers can confidently navigate these offers and choose the option that best supports their goals.