Stop Writing Contingent Offers: Smarter Options for Buying and Selling a Home

If you’re planning to sell your current home and buy another one, you might be tempted to write a contingent offer—but here’s the truth: they almost never work in today’s market.

A contingent offer means you’re asking a seller to accept your offer on their home, but only if and when you sell yours. The problem? Most sellers won’t risk it. They don’t want to put their plans on hold while you might sell your home—especially if your house isn’t even on the market yet, is overpriced, or needs work.

So what should you do instead? Let’s look at three smart strategies that can help you buy and sell with confidence.

1. Use Your Equity

Homeowners today have more equity than ever, which can work to your advantage. Instead of writing a weak contingent offer, consider:

• A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Borrow against your home’s equity to secure your next property.

• A Bridge Loan: A short-term loan that “bridges” the gap between buying your new home and selling your old one.

• Equity Express Program: Our team offers unique solutions designed to unlock your home’s value so you can move forward.

All of these allow you to buy first, then sell.

2. Make Your Sale Contingent on Finding Your Next Home

Here’s another option: list your home, accept an offer from a buyer, and include a clause that says the sale is subject to you finding your next home within a set period (7–21 days, for example).

This gives you leverage—you’ve already secured a buyer—while still allowing you the time to shop for your next place.

3. Take Advantage of Our One Move Program

This exclusive program from Jose Medina & Associates helps you make a cash offer on your next home. That means:

• You can buy the home you really want, on your timeline.

• You don’t have to stress about selling first.

• Once you’ve secured your new home, we’ll help you sell your current one.

It’s a smoother, more flexible way to handle the “sell and buy” dilemma.

The Bottom Line

Contingent offers rarely win in today’s competitive market. Instead, explore smarter financing options, use contingency clauses strategically, or leverage programs like One Move to put yourself in a stronger position.

No matter which path you choose, the key is having an experienced real estate professional to guide you. If you’d like to sit down and talk through the best option for your situation, our team would love to help.

Jose Medina | Keller Williams Legacy Group Realty

📞 330.417.3144 | Jose@JoseSellsHomes.com