But, here's some good news: Most home sales reach closing, even with contingencies attached. A survey from the National Association of REALTORS® found that in early 2024 only 5% of sales contracts on homes were terminated. Only 13% of sales contracts during those months were delayed before being settled.
Active Kick Out: Allows sellers to accept a new offer while the current Buyer works to fulfill contingencies. Active Contingent: Indicates the seller has accepted an offer with contingencies, but the listing remains active.
2. What is the 48-hour kick-out clause in real estate? The 48-hour kick-out clause gives the buyer 48 hours to remove their contingencies (like selling a current home) once the seller receives another offer. If the buyer doesn't act in time, the seller can cancel the original contract and accept the new one.
A property listed as contingent means the seller has accepted an offer, but they've chosen to keep the listing active in case certain contingencies, or conditions, aren't met by the prospective buyer. Sellers might continue to show the home and accept backup offers while a sale is pending on contingencies.
On occasion sellers have a change of heart and seek to cancel a real estate sales contract. Generally, backing out of a contract is only legal if the buyer has not fulfilled the terms of the agreement, fails to provide the required funds, or requests provisions not included in the contract.
One such contract is the contingency contract, which adds an element of flexibility and risk mitigation. Contingency contract is a legally binding document that specifies a condition that needs to be met before the contract can be executed.
If there is a problem meeting the conditions of the sale, such as the buyer's finance arrangements falling through or they are unhappy with the results of a building inspection and decide to withdraw from the sale, the buyer must let their lawyer or conveyancer know as soon as possible.
A contingency clause is a contract provision that requires a specific event or action to take place in order for the contract to be considered valid. If the party that's required to satisfy the contingency clause is unable to do so, the other party is released from its obligations.
Technically, yes — a seller can back out of a contingent offer. Before agreeing, they can choose to reject or counter the original offer with their own terms. Once the offer is accepted, if the contingencies aren't met, the seller can back out but there may be legal or financial implications involved.
One of the most common types of contingencies is a home inspection contingency, which simply means that the sale is contingent on a home inspection that doesn't unveil any major issues, such as electrical, structural, or plumbing issues, or any other major problems.