If you're selling your home in Mount Vernon, hearing that your listing is “under contract” can bring both excitement and questions. What exactly does that term mean? Is your home officially sold? Can anything still go wrong?

At Team Kelli Lang, we’re here to make sure you know what to expect every step of the way—from listing to closing. Let’s break down what “under contract” really means and how it impacts your home sale in Mount Vernon.

1. What Does “Under Contract” Mean?

When your home is marked as “under contract,” it means a buyer has made an offer, and you (the seller) have accepted it. Both parties have signed the purchase and sale agreement, and the transaction is now moving toward closing.

However, while it’s a big milestone, the sale isn’t final yet. The buyer must still meet certain conditions or contingencies before the deal becomes official.

💡 Think of “under contract” as the middle of the process—not the finish line.

2. What Happens While a Home Is Under Contract?

Once your home is under contract, a few key steps unfold behind the scenes. These include:

🛠 Home Inspection

The buyer hires a professional inspector to assess the home’s condition. They may request repairs, price adjustments, or credits based on the findings.

💰 Financing

If the buyer is using a mortgage, their lender will:

• Order an appraisal

• Review financial documents

• Finalize loan approval

🧾 Title Search

The title company ensures there are no legal issues—like unpaid liens or ownership disputes—that could delay or derail the sale.

✍️ Final Walkthrough and Closing

Before signing, the buyer does a final walkthrough to confirm the home’s condition. Then, both parties meet to sign documents and officially transfer ownership.

3. What Contingencies Could Impact the Sale?

Most home sales include contingencies, or conditions that must be satisfied before closing. Common ones include:

• Inspection Contingency: The buyer can negotiate repairs or walk away based on findings.

• Financing Contingency: The sale depends on the buyer securing a mortgage.

• Appraisal Contingency: If the home appraises below the sale price, the buyer may ask for a price reduction.

• Home Sale Contingency: The buyer must sell their current home before completing your purchase.

💡 At Team Kelli Lang, we help you manage and respond to contingencies with confidence so your deal stays on track.

4. Can Other Buyers Still Make an Offer?

Technically, yes—if your home is under contract, you can still accept backup offers in case the current deal falls through. This is especially smart if the buyer has multiple contingencies or a long closing timeline.

We recommend marketing your home as “Under Contract – Accepting Backups” to keep interest high and momentum going.

5. What Could Cause a Contract to Fall Through?

Although most deals make it to the finish line, a few things can cause a contract to fall apart, including:

• A low appraisal

• Buyer loan denial

• Major inspection issues

• The buyer backing out for a contingency-related reason

The good news? With strong negotiation, clear expectations, and expert support, many of these issues can be resolved before they become deal-breakers.

💡 We proactively manage every phase of the sale to reduce the risk of delays or cancellations.

6. How Long Does It Take to Close Once Under Contract?

In Mount Vernon, most homes close within 30–45 days of going under contract. Cash deals may close faster (as little as 2 weeks), while financed offers can take longer depending on the lender and contingencies.

During this time, we’ll:

• Coordinate with inspectors, appraisers, and escrow

• Monitor contingency deadlines

• Keep you updated every step of the way

7. How Team Kelli Lang Supports You During the “Under Contract” Phase

Once your home is under contract, our job is far from over. We help ensure your sale crosses the finish line with:

✅ Expert contract management

✅ Clear communication with buyers, agents, and escrow

✅ Proactive problem-solving if issues arise

✅ Guidance on repairs, credits, and negotiations

✅ Timeline tracking to avoid missed deadlines or delays

We’re your trusted partner through every twist and turn until the keys are officially handed over.

8. Selling in Mount Vernon? Let’s Do This Together.

If you're thinking about selling or your home is already under contract, don’t navigate it alone. Let Team Kelli Lang be your guide from start to finish.

📞 Call us at 360-472-4953

💻 Or email team@kellilang.com to schedule your free seller consultation today

💡 Under contract is just the beginning. With the right team behind you, the finish line is in sight—and it’s a strong one.