How A Home Seller Might Respond To Your Offer Contingent On A Home Sale

If you are going to buy a home, but you also need to sell a home, that can be a tricky proposition.  Not impossible, but we'll need to strategize how best to accomplish both goals.

But can't we just make an offer contingent on my current house selling, you might think, or ask?

Well, yes, you can -- but here's how a home seller might respond...

Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Buyers for your offer to buy my home.  I see that it is contingent on your current home selling.  That home is not on the market or under contract.  So, while I appreciate your interest in my house, please consider coming back to make an offer anew once you're house is on the market and under contract - or sold.

In the current market, that's the most common response by a seller if you make an offer contingent on the sale of your home if your home is not yet listed for sale and under contract.

Basically, thanks, but come back when you have a buyer in hand for your house.

And... it's reasonable.

If you were selling your house, and someone made that offer (contingent on the sale of a property that is not yet under contract) would you really accept their offer?  Probably not.

So, don't get insulted if a seller responds in this way.  If you like the house, get your house on the market,get it under contract, and make a new offer -- OR -- talk to your lender about whether you can quality to purchase the home before having sold your current home.