How Do Contingencies Work When Selling a Home in Manhasset?

Contingencies can protect a deal—or quietly put it at risk. In Manhasset, understanding which contingencies matter, how buyers use them, and when they’re reasonable helps sellers evaluate offers clearly and avoid surprises after accepting one.

What a Contingency Really Is

A contingency is a condition that must be met for the sale to move forward. If it isn’t satisfied, the buyer may be able to renegotiate—or walk away.

Common contingencies include:

• Inspection

• Mortgage financing

• Appraisal

• Home sale (buyer must sell their current home first)

Not all contingencies carry the same level of risk for sellers.

Inspection Contingencies: The Most Common

Most Manhasset buyers request an inspection contingency.

This allows buyers to:

• Identify material issues

• Request repairs or credits

• Renegotiate if problems arise

Inspections are normal. The risk depends on how prepared the seller is and how the home is positioned.

Financing Contingencies and Buyer Strength

A mortgage contingency protects buyers if their loan isn’t approved.

For sellers, the key questions are:

• How strong is the buyer’s pre-approval?

• How much is the down payment?

• How tight is the contingency timeline?

Strong buyers with meaningful down payments generally pose less risk.

Appraisal Contingencies: Where Pricing Meets Reality

An appraisal contingency allows buyers to renegotiate if the home appraises below the contract price.

This matters most when:

• Pricing is aggressive

• Comparable sales are thin

• The buyer is highly leveraged

In Manhasset, thoughtful pricing reduces appraisal risk significantly.

Home Sale Contingencies: Higher Risk, Higher Impact

A home sale contingency means the buyer must sell their current home first.

This can:

• Extend timelines

• Add uncertainty

• Increase fall-through risk

Some sellers accept these contingencies, but only with careful structuring.

How Contingencies Affect Negotiating Power

The more contingencies an offer includes:

• The more flexibility the buyer retains

• The more uncertainty the seller absorbs

A slightly lower offer with fewer contingencies can sometimes be the stronger deal overall.

When Fewer Contingencies Matter Most

Reduced contingencies often matter most when:

• Multiple offers are expected

• The market is competitive

• Timing is important

• The seller needs certainty for a next purchase

Certainty is a form of value.

How Eric Berman REALTOR® Evaluates Contingencies for Sellers

Eric helps Manhasset sellers by:

• Breaking down the real risk of each contingency

• Comparing offers beyond price alone

• Advising on counter strategies and timelines

• Structuring terms to protect leverage

• Coordinating with attorneys and lenders early

The goal is a deal that closes—not just an offer that looks good on paper.

FAQs

Are contingencies normal when selling in Manhasset?
Yes. Most offers include some contingencies. The key is understanding which ones matter. Eric Berman REALTOR® can help you evaluate them here: https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

Should I accept an offer with a home sale contingency?
Sometimes, but only with careful structure. Eric Berman REALTOR® can help assess the risk at https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

Do fewer contingencies always mean a better offer?
Often, but not always. Buyer strength and pricing still matter. Eric Berman REALTOR® can review the full picture at https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

Can contingencies be negotiated?
Yes. Timelines, scope, and terms are often negotiable. Eric Berman REALTOR® can guide that process here: https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

How do contingencies affect closing timelines?
They can extend or complicate timelines if not managed well. Eric Berman REALTOR® can help coordinate expectations at https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

Eric Berman, REALTOR®
Compass Greater NY
917-225-8596
eric@ericbermanre.com
www.theericbermanteam.com

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