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Can I make an offer on a pending house?

Hi. There is a house I'm interested in that is listed as pending. Can i still contact the selling agent and try to get an offer in?
Asked By Juan P | San Marcos, CA | 1657 views | Buying | Updated 3 weeks ago
Answer(20)
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Novice
6 Answers
John Farr

Reliant Realty ERA Powered

(23)

If they are taking backup offers, then yes.
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Pro
172 Answers
Amanda Courtney

REP Realty Group

(10)

Yes, you can submit a backup offer. This means if the current contract falls through, your offer automatically becomes next in line. It’s a good strategy when you really love a property but it’s already under contract.

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Semi-Pro
47 Answers
Glenda X Bozett

Michael Alexander Properties

(4)

Because the listing is pending, I suggest you have your Realtor contact the listing agent to see if they would accept a backup offer. Offers can still fall through prior to close.
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Rising Star
13 Answers
Joe Battersby

EXIT Assurance Realty

(5)

100%, a good amount of deals fall through. You want to get your offer in as a backup ASAP!
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Scott Carlson

BRIX Real Estate

(3)

Here in MN "pending" means that the home is towards the last stage in the cycle of being sold, the buyer is either finishing up their financing, getting their cash, etc. And the title companies are setting up the closing date. I would suggest having your realtor reach out and chat with the listing agent to see when the closing is scheduled and if they would entertain a backup offer at this point.
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Claudia Looi

Keller Williams Landmark II

(44)

Yes, you can but it depends on the seller’s instructions. When a home is pending, the seller has already accepted an offer and the deal is moving toward closing. Some sellers will still allow backup offers in case the current contract falls through, while others will not accept any additional offers.
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Novice
6 Answers
Edward Davis

Fathom Realty, LLC

In most instances you can make an offer; some may take Backup offers just in case the primary offer fall through. Have your Realtor reach out to the Listing Agent to see what their take is on Back-up Offers.
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Novice
5 Answers
Andre Patatanyan

truline realty

(52)

I would advice you to work with a buyers agent if possible to get an offer in. It is important as a buyer to have your own representation and not fall into working with the sellers agent which is as you said working with the seller. Also, the agent will be able to better assist you because he will be able to get more information about what stage the current buyer is and understand if there is a chance if you submit.
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Novice
4 Answers
Steve Meyers

eXp Realty of California, Inc.

(36)

Yes, you can make a backup offer on the home should the buyer who has it currently under contract decides to back out
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Novice
4 Answers
Michael Bell

The Addison Group

(6)

Yes. Legally speaking, you are allowed to make an offer on any property, pending or not. However, in this scenerio, this offer must be for back up purposes only and you likely will not be allowed to visit the property unless the seller gives your agent permission.
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Novice
3 Answers
Cary King

Realty One Group

(7)

Because the listing is pending, I suggest you have your Realtor contact the listing agent to see if they would accept a backup offer. Offers can still fall through prior to close. Good luck!
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Novice
3 Answers
Mark Dietel

Mark Dietel Realty

(234)

Absolutely. Historically, anywhere between 5%-15% of transactions fail to get to closing. Getting your offer in now would put you in a good position in case that happens.
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Novice
2 Answers
Jacob Worley

Worley Real Estate Inc

(52)

Definitely, in this market there are many reasons why a transaction may not close. Submitting a back up offer will put you in a good position if the transaction falls out of escrow.
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Novice
2 Answers
Rochelle Chacon

Coldwell Banker Realty

(107)

Hello Juan,

If the home is in pending status, that typically means that the buyer has removed contingencies to purchase the property. If you see a home in back up status, you may be able to write an offer and if the current buyer does not move forward with the purchase, you could have an opportunity to purchase the home. Buyers in CA have 17 days for inspections, 21 days to remove contingencies for any loans.
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Novice
2 Answers
Brooke Rozell

Capstone Realty

(63)

Reach out to a buyers agent
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Novice
1 Answer
Jennifer Dolby

ReMAx Infinity

(10)

Absolutely- always open the door for communication with fellow realtors.
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Novice
1 Answer
Mark Perrine

Green Pocket Realty

(58)

Yes- in Indiana we have a designated form called a Backup Offer that we use for that purpose.
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Novice
1 Answer
Peter Testa

Kiwi Homes

(6)

I would ask the Listing Agent if they are accepting backup offers; see where they are at in the transaction.
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Novice
1 Answer
Michael Bridges

EXP Realty California INC.

While the seller is bound to the offer they accepted, you can always put in a back up offer just in-case the current offer falls out for some reason.
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Novice
1 Answer
Carol Hunt

Baird & Warner

(29)

You can absolutely have your broker reach out to the listing agent. It never hurts to ask. Sales do fall apart from time to time, especially during inspection and attorney review. If you're interested, you can submit a backup offer so you're next in line if the current deal doesn’t hold together.

Carol Hunt
Baird & Warner, Winnetka, IL
Real Estate Broker, ePRO, GRI
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
847-404-7959

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