What Is a Home Sale Contingency? Spokane Sellers’ Guide

Introduction to Home Sale Contingencies

If you're preparing to sell your home in Spokane, one term you're likely to encounter is a home sale contingency. This clause in a real estate contract allows the buyer to make their purchase contingent upon selling their existing home. It's a common scenario, particularly in slower markets or when buyers are moving up. As a Spokane seller, understanding this term is essential to protect your interests and close your deal efficiently. I'm a Spokane real estate agent, and I’ve written this guide to help local homeowners make informed decisions about contingent offers.

How Home Sale Contingencies Work in Spokane

In a typical home sale contingency, the buyer submits an offer with the stipulation that they must sell their current home before they can finalize the purchase. Once accepted, the home enters a pending status, but the sale is not guaranteed until the buyer closes on their own property. In Spokane’s market, these contingencies generally come with specified timelines and clauses allowing sellers to continue marketing their property, depending on the terms negotiated.

What Is A Bump Clause?

• Bump Clause – This permits the seller to continue showing the home and accept backup offers. If a better offer comes in, the original buyer must remove their contingency or step aside.

Pros and Cons for Spokane Home Sellers

Pros:

• May attract more offers in a slower market.

• Potentially higher offers if buyers are confident.

Cons:

• Delays in closing if the buyer’s home doesn’t sell quickly.

• Risk of the deal falling through.

In Spokane, where buyer demand varies by season and location, sellers must weigh these pros and cons based on current conditions.

Market Conditions That Affect Contingencies

Spokane’s housing inventory and buyer demand play key roles in how home sale contingencies are handled. In a hot seller’s market, contingencies are rare and often rejected. However, in a more balanced or buyer-friendly market, they are more commonly accepted. As of 2025, Spokane's market shows moderate competition, making contingent offers a realistic part of negotiations.

How to Evaluate a Contingent Offer

When considering a contingent offer, ask:

• Is the buyer’s current home already listed or under contract?

• Is the price of their home realistic for a quick sale?

• Are they working with an experienced agent?

Working with a knowledgeable Spokane real estate agent (like myself) can help you analyze the offer’s strength and minimize risk.

Alternatives to Accepting Contingent Offers

If you’re hesitant about contingencies, consider:

• Accepting backup offers as a safeguard

• Offering rent-back agreements to give buyers time post-close

• Negotiating shorter escrow periods for quicker turnaround

These options help keep your sale moving without committing to uncertain outcomes.

Negotiating Home Sale Contingencies

You can negotiate:

• The contingency removal deadline

• Right to continue showing the home

• Terms of a kick-out clause

In Spokane, it’s common to use these tools to protect the seller’s flexibility while giving the buyer a fair shot.

Role of the Listing Agent in Contingency Offers

Your listing agent plays a vital role in:

• Keeping the buyer on schedule

• Managing documentation

• Providing clear communication

As your Spokane real estate agent, I stay on top of every deadline and provide updates so you’re never left in the dark.

When to Accept a Home Sale Contingency

Accept a contingency when:

• The buyer’s home is already under contract

• The local market is slower

• Other offers are less competitive

In these scenarios, you may still achieve your sale goals with reduced risk.

When to Decline a Contingent Offer

Decline an offer if:

• The buyer hasn’t listed their home yet

• There’s a strong chance of better offers soon

• You’re on a tight timeline

Spokane’s faster-selling neighborhoods often allow you to hold out for cleaner offers.

Tips to Strengthen Your Spokane Home Sale

• Stage your home to stand out

• Price it competitively based on neighborhood comps

• List at peak buyer times (spring and early summer)

My custom marketing strategy ensures your home gets maximum exposure in Spokane, reducing the need to rely on contingent buyers.

Common Myths About Home Sale Contingencies

Myth 1: All contingencies are bad. Truth: Many close successfully and benefit both parties.

Myth 2: You can’t market your home during a contingency. Truth: With a bump clause, you can continue to attract offers.

Spokane sellers often misunderstand these nuances—another reason to have a trusted agent by your side.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Move as a Spokane Seller

So, what is a home sale contingency? It’s a useful tool in many transactions, but it requires careful handling. As a Spokane seller, being informed puts you in control. If you’re not already working with an agent, I’d be honored to help you navigate your home sale successfully and make sure your interests are protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What does a home sale contingency mean for a seller? It means the buyer must sell their existing home before your deal can close. This could delay your closing or introduce risk if their sale falls through.

• Should Spokane sellers accept contingent offers? It depends on the strength of the offer, the local market, and your own timeline. Contingent offers can be reasonable if the buyer’s home is already under contract or listed.

• Can I still show my Spokane home with a contingency in place? Yes, if you include a bump clause in the agreement, you can continue showing your home and accept backup offers.

• How long do home sale contingencies usually last in Spokane? They often range from 30 to 60 days, depending on how quickly the buyer expects to close on their own property.

• What happens if the buyer’s home doesn’t sell in time? If the contingency isn’t met by the deadline, you as the seller can terminate the agreement and move on with another buyer.

About Me

My name is Nick Briggs

Being born and raised in Spokane I grew up knowing what a special place this city is, and it was my dream to help others create a life in this wonderful community by guiding them in real estate. I spent many years in the customer service industry, the experience of listening and communication showed me how much I truly loved helping people. I attended Gonzaga University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration to add to my knowledge of guiding, managing, negotiating, and listening to individuals, helping them achieve their real estate goals.

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