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Contingencies: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

April 4, 2023

When buying a home, there are many important factors to consider beyond simply finding the perfect property. One key element that both homebuyers and home sellers need to understand is contingencies. These clauses can play a significant role in the buying and selling process, allowing buyers to protect themselves if the deal falls through for various reasons. However, it's essential to know the ins and outs of contingencies in real estate. Failing to include one or relying too heavily on contingencies can have unintended consequences. In this article, we'll explore what homebuyers and home sellers should know about it, so they can make informed decisions when navigating the real estate market.

What are contingencies?

Contingencies are special clauses that can be included in a purchase agreement. These clauses allow the buyer to back out of a deal if certain conditions are unmet, such as obtaining financing or completing an inspection. The most common contingencies include financing, appraisal, repairs, home sale, and inspection. Each has its own rules and guidelines that must be followed for the contingency to be valid.

Contingencies are crucial to preserving homebuyer's interests.

From the homebuyer's perspective, understanding contingencies is vital for protecting their interests when buying a property. For example, buyers may include an inspection contingency in their offer. This will allow them to back out of the deal if major problems are discovered during the inspection process. Similarly, they should include a financing contingency, which allows them to back out of the deal if they cannot secure financing.

Contingencies affect the seller's ability to make a sale.

On the other hand, sellers also need to be aware of these, which can affect their ability to make a sale. Sellers may not want to accept offers that contain too many contingencies — such as an inspection and repairs contingency — as this could make the deal difficult or even impossible to complete. It's essential for both buyers and sellers alike to understand these clauses and how they can impact the transaction.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, contingencies play an important role in real estate transactions, so it's essential for homebuyers and home sellers alike to understand what these clauses entail before agreeing. By familiarizing yourself with these important clauses, you can help protect your interests throughout the buying and selling process.

For more information, contact Bill Cullin today!

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Bill Cullin
Your Real Estate Source at the Delaware Beaches

Call or Text: (302) 841-7147
Toll Free: (800) GO-BEACH, Ext 27117
Email: Bill.Cullin@LNF.com

Websites:
DelawareBeachRE.com
TheHenlopen.com

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ACCREDITATIONS & AWARDS:

  • 2022-3rd Consecutive Year: Overall Top Producing Individual Agent in Delaware at Long & Foster
  • 2022-3rd Consecutive Year: Member of the Long & Foster’s Gold Team Master Club Level, with sales volume of over $20-35 million
  • 2022-9th Consecutive Year: Five Star Professional Award-Winning Sales Agent
  • 2022-16th Consecutive Year: Top Producing Agent at Long & Foster’s Rehoboth Beach Office
  • 2022-13th Consecutive Year: “Zillow.com 5 Star Professional”, with “Best of Zillow” designation awarded in 2019
  • Top Selling Agent at The Henlopen Condominium in Rehoboth Beach, with well over 40 transactions, exceeding the volume of any team or agent in Delaware
  • Homesnap Top 5% Award, based on 202 data from over 1 million Homesnap Pro agents nationwide

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
37156 Rehoboth Avenue Ext, Suite 5
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971
Office: 302-227-2541, Ext 27117

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