Answers by Alicia Everett

Hello, Trent! Contingent in real estate means legally dependent on certain circumstances. For instance, you can have an accepted offer and have signed a contract that gives you a specific amount of time for you to do due diligence, like inspections. This would be an inspection contingency. There are also mortgage contingencies to protect buyers if their mortgage falls through. There can be a variety of contingencies in a purchase contract, usually all have defined time requirements. When a listing agent shows the status of contingent on a listing, they are saying that there is an accepted offer on the property, but all terms have not been legally met yet.

Hello, Eric! Yes, 1-4 unit multi-family homes can qualify for an FHA if you owner occupy one unit starting at least 60 days after closing and staying at least one full year. FHA mortgages are government guaranteed loans which have requirements for the condition of the home to qualify. Some qualifications are listed below. Must have an undamaged exterior, foundation and roof Must have safe and reasonable property access Must not contain loose wiring and exposed electrical systems Must have all relevant utilities, including gas, electricity, water and sewage functioning properly. Must have a working, permanent heating system that can heat the property adequately Must have surfaces free of chipping or peeling lead-based paint Must have adequate access to attic spaces and natural ventilation in crawl spaces Must have access to potable water Must be free from wood-destroying insect infestations Must not have interior and exterior health and safety hazards, such as no handrails on steep staircases Must be a marketable property