3 Contract Clauses Home Sellers Must Know Before Accepting an Offer

By Nathan King

Nathan King, a native of Fresno, has spent his entire life immersed in the vibrant Central Valley community. Nathan loves spending time with his family and helping his clients achieve their real estate goals.

Ready to sign the contract? Ask yourself first: “Do I really understand the terms beyond just the offer price?” It’s not just about the price tag; clauses buried in the agreement can affect your timeline, your budget, and even your peace of mind. Here are the three most important ones to review.

1. Contingencies. Most offers include contingencies, inspection, appraisal, and financing, which are the most common. Each comes with a deadline, and during this time, buyers can back out without losing their deposit.

If those timelines run too long, your home will be sitting while the buyer decides. To protect yourself, make sure contingency windows are reasonable. That way, you’re not tied up waiting without a clear commitment.

2. Inspection clauses. Not all inspection clauses are the same. Some contracts let buyers request repairs or credits, while others are “as-is,” meaning you’re not obligated to fix anything.

But even in as-is deals, negotiations often happen after inspections. Knowing what your contract allows helps you prepare for that second round of discussions so you’re not caught off guard.

3. Possession date. This detail is often overlooked, but it can cause last-minute stress. Closing day and moving day are not always the same thing.

The possession date is when ownership officially changes hands, so it needs to fit your moving schedule. Whether you need a few days after closing or the buyers want to move in right away, the contract should clearly reflect the plan.

Getting a strong offer is exciting, but a contract is more than just a number on paper. Contingencies, inspection clauses, and possession dates can all impact your sale in big ways.

If you’re thinking about selling, don’t go it alone. I’ll walk you through the contract, explain what it really means, and make sure your interests are protected every step of the way. Reach out today at +1 (559) 396-0000 or info@kingrealestate.group to schedule a quick consultation. Let’s make your home sale simple, secure, and stress-free.