What are the alternatives to the kick-out clause?

Asked by: Miss Mozelle Parisian  |  Last update: May 22, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (29 votes)

Terms often associated with the kick-out clause include contingency, right of first refusal, earnest money deposit, and non-contingent offer, all of which are key components or alternatives to the kick-out clause in a real estate agreement.

What are the alternatives to home sale contingency?

If removing the home sale contingency is necessary, consider alternative financing options to bridge the gap between buying and selling. Bridge loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) or adjusting your down payment strategy can provide flexibility and alleviate financial strain.

What happens if a backup offer is made on a property when a kick-out clause is in effect?

Sellers who receive a non-contingent offer while in a contingent contract featuring a kick-out clause will notify the first prospective buyer of their other offer. The original buyer then must decide whether to proceed with the sale without the contingency or walk away from the deal.

What is a kickback clause?

Kickback, as used in this clause, means any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, thing of value, or compensation of any kind which is provided to any prime Contractor, prime Contractor employee, subcontractor, or subcontractor employee for the purpose of improperly obtaining or rewarding favorable treatment ...

How to get around a home sale contingency?

Waive inspection, have a higher earnest money amount , consider releasing the earnest money to the seller at various stages, shorten the house sale contingency period. Also price, I know that you are offering over list price but sellers will consider the risk if the amount is large enough.

What in the world is a "Kick Out Clause"?!?

38 related questions found

Can a seller accept another offer while contingent?

If the buyer cannot remove the contingency, the contract is terminated, the seller can accept the other offer, and the earnest money deposit is returned to the buyer.

Can a buyer walk away at closing?

A buyer can back out of a home purchase even after signing a contract if all agreed-upon contingencies are not met. Common reasons for buyers to back out include issues revealed during a home inspection and problems with financing.

What is a no kick out clause?

A "no kick-out" clause means that the seller relinquishes this option once his/her home is under contract. So, in your example "Contingent w/no kick-out" means that the seller has accepted an offer with contingencies, but cannot accept another offer unless those contingencies are not satisfied.

Why are kickbacks illegal?

Kickbacks are considered a form of bribery and anti-competitive conduct. Employees who report kickbacks may have causes of actions under several federal laws, including: The False Claims Act. The whistleblower may have the right to a portion of money the government recovers based upon the whistleblower's information.

What is the bump clause in real estate?

A bump clause allows sellers to enter into a contract with a buyer but continue to market the property. If the seller then receives a better offer, they can bump the original buyer to get them to waive their contingency or offer more.

How long does a kick-out clause last?

A kick-out clause is a type of contingency, or a condition that must be met in order to go through with a sale, in the purchase agreement. Sellers may be able to give the buyer a certain amount of time – usually 72 hours – to drop the contingency and proceed with the sale.

Why do realtors accept backup offers?

Contingent contracts are common in the real estate industry. Contingencies can arise that can derail sales from being fully executed. A backup offer ensures that you'll score a new contract with a seller if the first offer they've accepted falls through.

Can you sue someone for backing out of a real estate contract?

Possible consequences of backing out

And in many cases, a home seller who reneges on a purchase contract can be sued for breach of contract. A judge could order the seller to sign over a deed and complete the sale anyway. “The buyer could sue for damages, but usually, they sue for the property,” Schorr says.

Can a seller accept another offer while under contract?

A kick-out clause allows the seller to continue showing the home and accept another offer if the buyer currently under contract cannot remove their contingencies. This clause is often used in a seller's market to ensure the seller has the best chance of closing the sale quickly and efficiently.

What is the 48 hour clause in real estate?

The 48-hour rule works to ensure transparency and fairness in real estate transactions. It prevents a seller from accepting a backup offer without giving the original buyer a chance to solidify their commitment to purchase.

Why is the buyer usually responsible for the largest portion of closing costs?

The Bottom Line

Closing costs include various fees due at the closing or settlement of a real estate transaction. Buyers are responsible for most of the costs, which include the origination and underwriting of a mortgage, taxes, insurance, and record filing.

What is the Stark law?

The Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly referred to as the Stark law, prohibits physicians from referring patients to receive "designated health services" payable by Medicare or Medicaid from entities with which the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship, unless an exception applies.

How do you prove kickbacks?

How Do You Prove Kickbacks?
  1. Procurement documents like purchase orders, requests for bids, bids, or change orders.
  2. Delivery records that show goods were never received.
  3. Contract records.
  4. Receipts or payment records.
  5. Invoices.
  6. Eyewitness accounts or testimonies.
  7. Emails, text messages, or calls between parties.

What is the 72 hour kick out clause?

The 72 hour clause is usually written into sales contracts by the seller, this allows a seller to keep the home on the market and accept backup offers on the property during. This clause is also commonly known as the escape clause, release clause, kick-out clause, hedge cause or right of first refusal clause.

What is an opt out clause?

(ˈɒptˌaʊt klɔːz ) noun. a clause that permits signatories to a contract to opt out of particular provisions, or to terminate the contract early.

What is a Wipeout clause?

A wipeout clause is a clause that specifies who assets go to if none of your immediate family / named beneficiaries survive. That is, you can leave assets to a spouse and kids, or specific assets to specific individuals.

Can you push out closing?

Buyer's Legal Protections: Contract Contingencies

The real estate purchase agreement usually outlines the circumstances under which the closing date can be extended. This includes who can request an extension, under what conditions, and how the extension must be agreed upon and documented.

Will I lose my deposit if I am denied a mortgage?

Can My Security Deposit Be Returned If My Mortgage Is Denied At Closing? If you have a contingency in place that includes an offer and purchase contract, you may be able to get your earnest money back. However, if you don't have it, you could lose it.

Can a house be taken back after closing?

Once you sign the closing documents, you do not have the right to back out of your mortgage or home purchase. Once the title is transferred to your name, you become the owner. What happens if you list your house and then change your mind? You can take your house off the market at any time.