Menu

Real Estate Tips From a New Homeowner


How To Handle Real Estate Contract Contingencies

All homes have their quirks and buyers shouldn't expect perfection as they view homes on the market. While minor imperfections should probably be overlooked, larger issues may need to be addressed. The way to deal with major repair problems is by using the contingency clause. In addition to items that need repairing, contingencies also serve a number of related needs. Read on to find out more about contingencies in your real estate contract.

Why Have Contingencies?

Some might wonder why not just disclose home issues upfront at the viewing and let the buyer beware. Home purchases involve huge sums of money and selling homes "as is" can be done but it is rare. Instead, there are a number of opportunities for buyers to know what they are buying. Once they've toured the home and done some research on schools and neighborhoods, they need professional help to find out more. Home inspections are almost always performed soon after a sales contract is signed. This in-depth scrutiny of the inner workings of the home can produce issues that even the seller may not have known about.

What Happens When Problems Are Found?

Depending on the level of seriousness, the sale might still go through if the buyer and seller can come to an agreement about how to handle the repair issues. If the buyer backs out due to a problem with the major systems of the home, they are eligible to get their earnest money funds refunded. If the seller agrees to take care of the problem, the buyer is responsible for ensuring that it is fixed before they attend the closing. Sellers often agree to lower the price or cover closing fees rather than have anything repaired. Contingencies can also apply to other things beside repair problems, however.

Other Common Real Estate Contingencies

A contract can also rely on a financing contingency. This contingency states that the contract will be void if the buyer fails to secure a mortgage. While most buyers have been through the approval process prior to searching for a home, the ability to be approved is never a guarantee.

Successful appraisals mean that the home appraises for (at least) the amount of the financing. If not, the appraisal contingency gives buyers a way out.

Speak to your real estate agent about how to use contingencies when shopping houses for sale. They can guide you so you get a home you love.

About Me

Real Estate Tips from a New Homeowner

While some people "wing it" when purchasing their first home, I went about the process differently. I put a lot of research into home market trends before even deciding where I would like my new home to be located and learned about all of the steps of the buying process. Once I was ready to start looking at homes, I hired a real estate agent who was very impressed with all the knowledge I had accumulated about the home-buying process before I even owned my first home! I love learning, so I actually greatly enjoyed learning all about real estate, and I am still keeping on top of the latest real estate news and trends since I know they will come in handy when I decide to upgrade into a larger home in the future. I decided to help others by sharing what I have learned on a blog!

Categories

Latest Posts

Benefits of Selling Your House for Cash
19 February 2024

The process of selling a house can be daunting, st

Five Benefits Of Renting From A Residential Property Management Company
28 December 2023

Looking for a new rental property can be an exciti

What You Need to Know About Full Management Services
28 November 2023

Managing a business is a lot of work, and it can b

Considering Key Features for Senior Independent Living Apartments
4 October 2023

Selecting an independent living apartment for seni

4 Tips For Your Upcoming Open House
4 August 2023

Many home sellers use an open house to help get th