Seller Tips: Should You Accept a Sale of Buyer’s Home Condition When Selling Your Guelph Home?

When selling your home in Guelph, every offer requires careful evaluation. One condition that often makes sellers uneasy is the Sale of Buyer’s Home (SOBH) condition, which means the buyer’s purchase is contingent on selling their current property first.

Your initial reaction might be, “Why would I accept that?” - and it’s a fair question. While this condition does carry risk, there are situations in the Guelph real estate market where accepting it can make strategic sense.

Here are a few scenarios where it may be worth considering:

1. You Haven’t Received Other Offers and Want to Protect Your Price

If your home has been on the market for some time without strong interest, accepting an offer with a Sale of Buyer’s Home condition may be preferable to reducing your asking price. The key is ensuring the buyer’s home is competitively priced and likely to sell quickly. A knowledgeable Guelph Realtor can help assess whether the buyer’s property is positioned for a successful sale.

2. The Offer Price Is Stronger Than Other Offers

Buyers with a home to sell will sometimes submit a higher purchase price to make their offer more appealing. If the price reflects strong value and aligns with current Guelph home prices (and you have some flexibility on timing) the added upside may justify the condition.

3. The Buyer’s Home Is Ready to List in a Strong Market

In a balanced or seller-leaning Guelph real estate market, well-prepared homes often sell quickly. If the buyer is ready to list immediately and their home shows well, the risk of delay is significantly reduced. Confirming their listing strategy, price, and timeline is essential before moving forward.

How to Protect Yourself as a Seller

If you’re considering accepting a Sale of Buyer’s Home condition, there are important safeguards you can put in place:

• ✔️ Limit the conditional period (typically 30 days or less)
• ✔️ Include an escape clause, allowing you to accept another offer if one comes along
• ✔️ Review the buyer’s home details, including pricing, condition, and readiness for market

These protections help ensure you maintain flexibility while giving the initial buyer an opportunity to complete their sale.

Every home sale is unique, and the right decision depends on your goals, timeline, and current market conditions. Working with an experienced Guelph Realtor ensures you understand the risks, opportunities, and negotiation strategies available so you can make the most informed choice. If you have questions about accepting conditional offers or want advice tailored to your situation, we'd be happy to help!