How to Prepare for a Contingent Sale Without Losing Sleep

Selling your home while buying your next one is exciting, but when the sale hinges on certain conditions, it can also feel like you’re walking a tightrope. A contingent sale doesn’t have to keep you up at night. With the right plan, the right timing, and the right guidance, you can move forward confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.

To help you navigate the process smoothly, I spoke with Meredith Fogle with The List Realty, a seasoned local expert known for guiding sellers through even the most delicate real-estate scenarios. As she puts it, “A contingent sale isn’t something to fear. When it’s managed strategically, it simply becomes another tool we use to protect your interests and keep your move on track.”

This guide breaks down how to prepare, what to expect, and how to set yourself up for a seamless transaction.

1. Understand What a Contingent Sale Really Means

A contingent sale simply means your agreement includes specific conditions that must be met before the deal becomes final. Common examples:

• The buyer needs to sell their current home before purchasing yours

• The buyer needs to secure financing

• An inspection or appraisal must meet agreed-upon terms

None of these conditions are negative - they’re safeguards. They clarify expectations, reduce the risk of surprises, and give both parties a clear roadmap.

2. Evaluate Offers Based on Strength, Not Just Price

A higher purchase price is great, but a strong, reliable offer is even better, especially when contingencies are involved.

Look at factors such as:

• How quickly the buyer’s current home is likely to sell

• Whether their property is already under contract

• The strength of their financing

• The flexibility in their timeline

• How clean or limited their contingencies are

Your agent will help you compare your offer holistically so you can confidently select and offer that gives you the smoothest path forward.

3. Prepare Your Own Timeline and Backup Plan

Contingent sales flow more smoothly when you have clarity around your next steps:

• Know where you’re going next. Even if you haven’t found your next home yet, identify your preferred areas, housing types, or price range.

• Consider temporary housing options. You may not need them, but knowing they exist reduces stress.

• Plan for overlapping timelines. Some sellers benefit from post settlement occupancieds, delayed settlements, or flexible move-out strategies.

Smart planning removes the last-minute scramble and gives you confidence, even if timelines adjust.

4. Keep Communication Open and Expect Minor Adjustments

Real-estate transactions involve many moving parts. Small timeline shifts or procedural bumps are normal, not red flags.

You’ll stay grounded if you:

• Keep communication steady with your agent

• Respond quickly to requests

• Stay flexible where it makes sense

• Remember that contingencies exist to protect everyone

According to Meredith, “The best transactions happen when everyone stays focused on the shared goal. When sellers feel informed and supported at every step, the process becomes far less stressful.”

5. Lean on Expert Guidance (You Don’t Have to Do This Alone)

Contingent sales can feel intimidating, but you don’t need to navigate them solo. Working with an experienced listing agent ensures you’re:

• Protected by the right contract language

• Positioned competitively

• Staying ahead of deadlines

• Negotiating from a place of clarity and strength

• Making decisions backed by real-time market insight

With the right strategy, a contingent sale can be smooth sailing.