How To Make Home Sale Contingencies Work

By John Wesley Walker II

We love serving our clients and making their goals possible! Our goal with every transaction is to build a relationship to make sure that our clients wants and needs are met. We pride ourselves on communication and quick action. Don't settle on average marketing and advertising when it comes to selling your property. Don't settle for an average agent that only sells 3-4 homes a year. You deserve an agent that knows the market and how to get the best results. Our team will do everything we can to exceed your expectations!

If you’ve ever tried to buy a new home while selling your current one, you know it’s not always a smooth ride. The process can feel like a high-stakes game where one delay creates a chain reaction. It’s what we call playing real estate dominoes, where one deal depends on another, and timing is everything. I see it all the time. A client finds the perfect home, but they can’t move forward until their current home sells. Or they’re ready to sell but unsure what comes next. Without a solid plan, things can get complicated fast. That’s why working with someone who knows how to guide you through every step is critical. To help you out, here are four tips you can follow:

Choose an experienced agent. Contingent deals require a different level of strategy—experience matters. You need someone who can juggle timelines, manage tight deadlines, and keep everyone on the same page. When multiple homes are tied together, one issue can affect them all. I’ve worked through plenty of these situations and know how to spot problems before they cause delays.

Get strong support from your vendors. Having the right team around you is just as important. A trusted lender, a reliable inspector, and a dependable mover all make a big difference. With everything happening at once (packing, inspections, closings), you need vendor partners who are responsive and ready when you are. I ensure my clients have access to professionals who won’t disappoint them when timing matters most.

Set clear expectations early. Real estate transactions rarely go exactly as planned, especially when you’re coordinating two or more at once. That’s why I always encourage clients to stay flexible and expect a few bumps along the way. When you know what to expect, it’s easier to stay calm and keep things moving forward.

Work with agents who communicate. Communication between agents is one of the most overlooked parts of a smooth transaction. When I know a deal is contingent, I pay close attention to who’s on the other side. If the other agent is disorganized or slow to respond, that can create major issues. I make sure everyone involved is on the same page from the start.

If you’re thinking about selling and buying at the same time, don’t do it without a clear plan and the right support. I’m here to help you navigate every step with confidence and clarity. Call me at 318-794-6769 or visit thewalkergroup.kw.com to schedule a strategy session today.