Jonathan LopezShould I Accept an Offer From a Buyer Who Has to Sell Their Home First?
If an offer on your Woodland Hills home comes with a condition that the buyer must first sell their own home, it can look appealing on price and risky on timing. Here is how to think about it.
What the Contingency Means for You
Redfin's contingency guide explains that with a home sale contingency, the seller receives an offer that depends on the buyer's current home selling. The seller bears the risk if that sale falls through, including losing time on the market. Redfin notes these deals typically run 30 to 60 days and that sellers generally prefer non-contingent offers because they close faster with less risk. The guide has no publication date, so treat the specifics as general.
How Often Deals Fall Apart
Redfin's analysis of contingent offers (published July 31, 2026) found that 13.6% of pending U.S. home sales fell out of contract before closing, roughly 1 in 7. Among the reasons it lists, inspection or repair issues came up in 70.4% of cancellations, buyer financing problems in 27.8%, the buyer's existing home not selling in 21.0%, and changes in the buyer's financial situation in 14.9%. The percentages add to more than 100% because a deal can have more than one reason. These are national figures, not Woodland Hills data.
The Kick-Out Clause
Redfin describes a kick-out clause as allowing the seller to keep showing the home and accept another offer while the buyer's contingency is in place. If a better offer arrives, the first buyer typically has 24 to 72 hours to remove the contingency or step aside. Redfin also says pre-listing inspections and accurate pricing help prevent cancellations. See whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your home.
What Woodland Hills Timing Looks Like
Movoto's Woodland Hills page (updated October 5, 2026) shows 428 active listings, 76 price-reduced, and 50 days on market compared with 44 a year earlier. A buyer who needs to sell a home in this market could take well over a month to do it, and that wait becomes your wait unless a kick-out clause protects you. This is reasoning from the local numbers, not a prediction for any specific buyer.
How to Decide
Compare the contingent offer against your next best realistic offer on price, closing date, and risk. Ask whether the buyer's home is already listed, priced realistically, and under contract. Ask for a kick-out clause and a firm deadline. Then decide whether the premium on the table covers the added risk. For the broader question, see whether you should take the first offer.
This is general information, not legal advice. Contingency terms are set in the purchase contract. Review any offer with your agent and consult an attorney for legal questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home sale contingency?
A condition that makes the buyer's purchase depend on the buyer selling their own home. Redfin says the seller bears the risk if that sale falls through.
How often do pending home sales fall through?
Redfin (July 31, 2026) found 13.6% of pending U.S. home sales fell out of contract before closing, about 1 in 7.
How many cancellations involve the buyer's home not selling?
Redfin reports 21.0% of cancellations cited the buyer's existing home not selling. Reasons overlap, so the percentages add to more than 100%.
What is a kick-out clause?
It lets the seller keep marketing the home and accept another offer while the contingency is in place. The buyer typically has 24 to 72 hours to remove the contingency or step aside, per Redfin.
How long are Woodland Hills homes taking to sell?
Movoto shows 50 days on market as of October 5, 2026, versus 44 a year earlier.
Can you help me compare offers?
Yes. I compare price, terms, and risk side by side with real Woodland Hills comps at no cost.