In 2026, contingent offers are back.
During the frenzy years, sellers rejected them immediately. Today, the conversation is more nuanced.
A contingent offer means the buyer must sell their current home before closing on yours.
In Greenville right now, accepting one depends on:
• How competitive your listing is
• The strength of the buyer’s home sale
• Market activity in their area
• Whether a kick-out clause is included
If your home is in high demand — say Augusta Road or Hollingsworth — you may not need to accept contingency.
If you're in a slower-moving area or higher price point, a well-structured contingent offer may be reasonable.
Risk management tools include:
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48-hour kick-out clauses
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Requiring buyer’s home under contract
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Reviewing their listing performance
In today’s market, flexibility can widen your buyer pool — but structure matters.
Before accepting a contingent offer, we analyze both properties and timelines carefully.
Sometimes it’s the right move.
Sometimes it creates unnecessary risk.
Strategy over emotion — always.
—
David Seaver, Realtor®
Coldwell Banker Caine