Home sale contingencies often cause hesitation for sellers, especially when certainty is a priority. After 23 years as a real estate professional and as Broker Owner at Helen Oliveri Real Estate, I help Wauconda sellers evaluate these offers objectively instead of reacting emotionally. In Lake County IL real estate, a home sale contingency is not automatically good or bad. It depends on structure, timing, and risk.
With over 3000+ homes sold and 311 Google 5-star reviews, I have negotiated many transactions involving home sale contingencies. The key is understanding what you are agreeing to and how it impacts your leverage.
What a Home Sale Contingency Means
A home sale contingency allows a buyer to purchase your home only after selling their current property. In Wauconda, this often occurs when buyers are moving within Lake County IL homes for sale and need proceeds from their existing home.
I often tell sellers, “A contingency is not a rejection. It is a condition that needs clarity.”
When Accepting a Contingency Can Make Sense
If the buyer’s home is already under contract or listed with strong activity, the risk may be limited. As a 23 year veteran real estate agent, I review how long the buyer’s home has been on the market, how it is priced, and how motivated the buyer is.
Market conditions also matter. When inventory is limited in certain price ranges, accepting a contingency may still result in a strong outcome. Pricing accuracy on your own home plays a role as well. Sellers often review this guide when evaluating contingent offers:
https://helenoliveri.com/your-guide-to-pricing/
When a Contingency Creates Too Much Risk
If the buyer’s home is not yet listed or is priced aggressively, the contingency can delay or derail your sale. Extended timelines may prevent you from accepting stronger offers that arrive later.
Preparation helps maintain leverage. Homes that are well prepared tend to attract additional interest, which reduces pressure to accept riskier terms. I often recommend this preparation guide before listing:
https://helenoliveri.com/preparing-your-home-for-a-hot-market/
How I Help Sellers Decide
At Helen Oliveri Real Estate, we evaluate home sale contingencies alongside price, financing strength, and timelines. If you are also buying in Lake County IL, coordinating your sale and purchase becomes even more important.
Helen Oliveri real estate focuses on protecting your position while keeping viable opportunities open. Accepting a home sale contingency should be a strategic decision, not a rushed one.
Helen Oliveri
Broker Owner | Helen Oliveri Real Estate
23 year veteran real estate agent
Over 3000+ homes sold | 311 Google 5-star reviews
Contact Helen Oliveri at Helen Oliveri Real Estate | (847) 401-0136 | www.helenoliverirealestate.com/ for a FREE Market Strategy Session