Buying a Home? Here’s Why You Can’t Skip These Conditions

I know, I know—you’re probably thinking this is going to be as dry as the Sahara. Or maybe even drier than your Aunt Sophie’s Christmas cake. You know, the one she insists is a holiday classic and tries to pawn the recipe off on you every year.

But trust me—this topic has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster ride at Disney! And if you’re buying a home, you need to know why skipping conditions could be one of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make.

What Are Conditions in a Real Estate Offer?

When you submit an offer on a home, conditions serve as built-in protections that allow you to back out of the deal if specific requirements aren’t met.

Most buyers are familiar with conditions like financing approval and home inspections, but did you know that sellers can also include conditions in the contract? These conditions can impact the negotiation process and even determine whether the sale goes through.

Real-World Example: When Sellers Have Conditions Too

You might assume that conditions are just for buyers, but sellers sometimes include them as well.

Take this real-world scenario:

A seller had a long-term tenant they deeply valued. Before selling their home, they wanted to ensure their tenant could secure a new rental property. To make that happen, the seller added a condition that gave them time to help their tenant relocate.

Here’s where it got tricky:

• The buyer satisfied all of their conditions (financing and home inspection).
• The seller’s condition extended beyond the buyer’s timeline—meaning if the tenant couldn’t find a new place, the deal might not go through.

Even with that risk, the buyer chose to proceed, knowing the seller had a great relationship with the tenant and felt confident the move would happen smoothly.

The key takeaway? Conditions exist to protect both buyers and sellers—and knowing how to use them strategically is crucial.

3 Critical Conditions Every Buyer Needs in Their Offer

Let’s assume you’re in a balanced real estate market—where you can include key conditions without facing intense competition (we’ll save the discussion on seller’s markets for another time).

These are the must-have conditions every homebuyer should include:

1. Financing Condition

A financing condition is essential for any buyer planning to get a mortgage. Without it, you could be on the hook for a home you can’t afford if your mortgage falls through.

Think about it—banks don’t just hand out hundreds of thousands of dollars without due diligence. They assess your income, debt, credit score, and the property’s value before approving your mortgage.

Even if you have pre-approval, that’s not the same as final approval. If the lender rejects the property or changes their terms, you could end up without financing.

A financing condition gives you time to secure your mortgage and ensures you’re protected if the deal falls apart.

2. Home Inspection Condition

A home inspection (keyword 1) is non-negotiable for buyers. Even if the house looks perfect, there could be hidden problems—structural issues, outdated electrical systems, plumbing disasters—that could cost you thousands.

Imagine buying a home without an inspection and later discovering:

A leaking roof that needs a $15,000 repair
A cracked foundation that could cost $30,000+
Old wiring that’s a fire hazard and requires a total rewiring

If you have an inspection condition, you can:

✔ Walk away from the deal if serious issues are found
✔ Negotiate repairs or a price reduction before committing
✔ Avoid a financial nightmare after closing

Skipping an inspection might save time, but it could also leave you eating instant noodles for years while you pay for unexpected repairs.

3. Additional Buyer Protection Conditions

Depending on your situation, you may want to include:

Appraisal Condition: Ensures the home is worth what you’re paying, preventing lender issues.
Sale of Buyer’s Property Condition: If you need to sell your current home first, this protects you from carrying two mortgages.
Condo Document Review: If you’re buying a condo, reviewing the financials and bylaws is crucial.

Skipping Conditions Can Cost You Thousands

Many buyers assume conditions are optional—or worse, they waive them in a competitive market without fully understanding the risks. But skipping essential conditions can be financially devastating and leave you with:

A home you can’t afford because your financing fell through
Massive repair bills you weren’t expecting
A legal mess if something in the contract isn’t properly handled

Buying a Home? Protect Yourself—Let’s Talk!

Real estate transactions are complex—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Let us help you secure the right conditions in your offer so you’re fully protected.