What’s a Home Sale Contingency? (And How It Can Affect Your Sale in Western Washington)

If you’re buying or selling a home in Lake Tapps/Bonney Lake—or anywhere in Pierce County—you might hear someone mention a “home sale contingency.” But what does that actually mean for you? And how does it impact your deal?

Here’s what you need to know, in plain terms.

What’s a Home Sale Contingency?

A home sale contingency is a clause in a purchase agreement. It means the buyer is saying:
“I want to buy your home, but only if I can sell mine first.”

This gives the buyer a safety net. They’re not stuck with two mortgages if their current home doesn’t sell. And it’s more common than you might think—especially when people are upsizing or relocating within the same area.

How This Plays Out in Our Market

In Western Washington, we see home sale contingencies most often in a balanced or slower market. In fast-paced conditions, they’re less common because sellers have other options. But in our current market, they do come up—especially in places like Bonney Lake, Sumner, and the Lake Tapps area.

Here’s an example:
Let’s say Matt and Emily live in Puyallup and want to move to Lake Tapps. They find the perfect home and make an offer—but they still need to sell their current place. So, they include a home sale contingency in the offer.

As a seller, you can:

• Accept the offer as is

• Decline it

• Counter with terms that work better for you

If You’re the Seller—Here’s What You Should Know

You might be wondering, “Is this good or bad for me?” It depends on your timeline and priorities.

✅ Pros:

• You still have an offer on the table

• If the buyer’s home sells quickly, you’re good to go

• You might get flexibility on other terms (like closing date or price)

❌ Cons:

• Your home is technically “under contract,” which can turn off other buyers

• If the buyer can’t sell their home, the deal can fall apart

• Your timeline becomes tied to someone else’s sale

The 48-Hour Clause: Protecting You as the Seller

We often recommend what’s called a "Bump Period" or a “48-hour escape clause.” Here’s how it works:

If another qualified buyer comes along, the first buyer gets 48 hours (or whatever time you agree on) to remove their home sale contingency. If they can’t—or won’t—you can walk away and accept the new offer.

This gives you flexibility without leaving your sale in limbo.

Is a Home Sale Contingency a Dealbreaker?

Not at all—but it is something to handle carefully. If you’re the buyer, it can give you time to sell your home without panic. If you’re the seller, it’s still a path forward—as long as you protect your timeline and options.

We’ve helped clients on both sides of these deals. With the right strategy and good communication, they can work out just fine.

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

Whether you're moving within Lake Tapps, heading out of Pierce County, or buying your first home in Western Washington, we can walk you through the details. That includes how to handle a contingency—and how to avoid the common pitfalls.

Call Don and Susie Karstedt at Rethinking Real Estate: 253-255-1299.
We’ll help you figure out what makes the most sense for your move.