When a Round Lake seller receives an offer that includes a home sale contingency, it often raises questions about risk and timing. After more than 23 years as a full-time real estate professional and Broker Owner at Helen Oliveri Real Estate, I’ve helped sellers evaluate these offers carefully and strategically. In Lake County IL real estate in 2025, a home sale contingency is not unusual, but it does require a closer look.

With over 3000+ homes sold and 311 Google 5-star reviews, I help sellers understand when this type of offer makes sense and when it may create unnecessary uncertainty. The key is evaluating the full picture, not just the price.

Before advising a seller, I look at buyer strength, current market conditions, and how well the buyer’s home is positioned to sell. In Round Lake, some home sale contingencies are very workable, while others introduce delays. Pricing strategy and market momentum also influence whether accepting this type of offer is advantageous, which is why many sellers review this resource during planning:
https://helenoliveri.com/your-guide-to-pricing/

Key Questions Sellers Ask About Home Sale Contingencies

What does a home sale contingency mean for me as a seller?
It means your buyer must sell their current home before they can close on yours. This can extend timelines and introduce uncertainty, but it does not automatically make the offer weak. I often remind sellers, “Certainty has value, especially when you are planning your next move.”

When does accepting this type of offer make sense?
It may make sense if the buyer’s home is already under contract or priced competitively. In Lake County IL homes for sale, buyers who are well prepared tend to move forward more smoothly, even with contingencies.

How can I reduce risk if I accept a home sale contingency?
Sellers can negotiate protections such as timelines, continued marketing rights, or kick out clauses. These options allow you to move forward while maintaining flexibility. For broader insight into how market conditions affect buyer leverage, many homeowners reference this article:
https://helenoliveri.com/mastering-the-low-inventory-market/

If you are also planning on buying in Lake County IL, minimizing uncertainty on your sale becomes even more important. Understanding how this type of offer fits into your overall strategy helps protect your next steps.

A home sale contingency is not automatically a problem. With the right evaluation and protections in place, it can still lead to a successful closing.

Contact Helen Oliveri at Helen Oliveri Real Estate | (847) 401-0136 | www.helenoliverirealestate.com/ for a FREE 2025 Market Strategy Session