Sellers doubt contingent offers, but clear intent, strong terms, and an experienced agent can make yours the top pick.

Buying a home is already complicated enough, but what if your offer needs to be contingent on the sale of your current property? I'm seeing more contingent offers come back into play, but you've got to be strategic about your approach.

Your contingent offer isn't as attractive as a straightforward cash or non-contingent offer, but there are ways to make it appealing to sellers. Here are three things you can do to make your contingent offer stand out:

1. Start by offering strong terms. Propose a competitive price, present higher earnest money, and keep your additional contingencies limited and timelines tight. A home-sale contingency is already a significant condition, so don't overload your offer with other demands. Sellers respond positively when they see less risk and more certainty.

2. Show your serious intent. A strong way to communicate your intent is to provide a fully documented pre-approval from your lender.  Let the seller know you're financially ready and prepared to negotiate as seriously as any other buyer. Trust matters immensely here; your clear commitment will go a long way in making your offer stand out.

“Strong terms and clear intent are essential to making contingent offers competitive.”

3. Work with a full-time professional. This isn’t the time to cut corners or rely on someone who sells homes on the side. A dedicated professional can communicate confidence to the listing agent that your home will sell quickly and reliably, improving your chances of acceptance significantly.

Until your home actually sells, sellers see your offer as uncertain. Their concern is valid: what if your home doesn't sell, or it takes too long to sell? Addressing these concerns upfront by clearly communicating timelines, demonstrating the marketability of your property, and involving a professional agent who will effectively advocate for you can ease the seller's mind.

If you’re considering making a contingent offer on your next home, reach out to our team. Feel free to call or send us a message at (651) 998-9829 or info@holzgroup.com. We’d be honored to discuss strategies and help craft a powerful offer that gets noticed and accepted by the seller you have in mind.