What Happens During the Contingency Period When Selling Your Home in Myrtle Beach?
You’ve accepted an offer. You’re under contract.
That’s exciting.
But here’s the part many sellers don’t fully expect:
You’re not at the finish line yet.
You’ve now entered what’s called the contingency period, and this is one of the most important phases of the entire transaction.
Brian Staub and the Beach Properties Group have been recognized as one of the top-performing real estate teams in the Myrtle Beach area based on both sales volume and number of homes sold. With more than 20 years of experience in this market and 17 years of experience as a home improvement contractor and new construction agent, Brian helps sellers navigate this stage so deals stay together and move toward closing.
Here’s what to expect.
What Is the Contingency Period?
The contingency period begins after an offer is accepted.
During this time, the sale is conditional based on certain requirements being met.
If those conditions aren’t satisfied, the buyer may have the option to renegotiate… or even walk away.
That’s why this stage matters.
The Three Main Contingencies
Most contracts include three primary contingencies.
1. Inspection Contingency
This is when the buyer evaluates the condition of your home.
Common inspections in the Myrtle Beach area include:
general home inspection
CL-100 termite inspection
roof inspection
HVAC inspection
pool inspection (if applicable)
If the property includes land, buyers may also request:
septic inspection
well inspection
After inspections, the buyer may:
accept the home as-is
request repairs
ask for a credit
renegotiate terms
Because Brian Staub has 17 years of experience as a home improvement contractor and new construction agent, he helps sellers determine which requests are reasonable and how to respond without overgiving.
2. Appraisal Contingency
If the buyer is financing, the lender will require an appraisal.
This determines whether the home is worth the contract price.
If the home appraises:
at value → the deal moves forward
If it appraises low:
the buyer may need to bring extra cash
the price may be renegotiated
or the deal could fall apart
Appraisal strategy is a key part of protecting your final sale price.
3. Financing (Loan) Contingency
The buyer must be fully approved for their loan.
During this time, the lender verifies:
income
employment
credit
assets
If the buyer cannot secure financing, they may be able to exit the contract.
This is why vetting buyers upfront is critical.
Brian Staub and the Beach Properties Group review lender strength and buyer qualifications before you ever accept an offer.
How Long Does the Contingency Period Last?
In South Carolina, this is typically part of the due diligence period, which is often around:
7 to 14 days (sometimes slightly longer depending on negotiations)
During this window, buyers are actively evaluating the property and their ability to move forward.
Can the Buyer Back Out?
Yes.
During the contingency period, buyers have more flexibility.
They may back out if:
inspection results are not acceptable
financing falls through
appraisal comes in low
they are not comfortable with disclosures
That’s why this phase requires careful handling.
What Happens After Inspections?
After inspections are completed, buyers typically submit a request.
This could include:
repair requests
credits toward closing costs
price adjustments
At this point, negotiation begins again.
The goal is to find a resolution that keeps the deal moving forward while protecting your bottom line.
A Myrtle Beach Seller Example
A seller in Carolina Forest went under contract quickly.
During inspections, a few repair items were identified.
Instead of overreacting, the response was structured carefully, focusing on the most important items.
The result was a fair agreement that kept the deal together and avoided unnecessary concessions.
Another Example From Murrells Inlet
A property appraised slightly below contract price.
Instead of immediately lowering the price, the situation was negotiated.
The buyer agreed to cover part of the difference, protecting more of the seller’s proceeds.
This is where strategy matters.
When Should You Start Packing?
This is important.
Don’t rush it.
It’s best to wait until:
contingencies are removed
financing is solid
the deal is fully moving toward closing
Once contingencies are cleared, you can feel much more confident that the sale will go through.
Why Experience Matters During This Stage
The contingency period is where many deals either move forward… or fall apart.
Brian Staub and the Beach Properties Group have consistently ranked among the top teams in the Myrtle Beach area based on both units sold and sales volume.
That experience allows them to:
anticipate issues early
guide inspection negotiations
manage appraisal challenges
keep deals on track
With more than 20 years of local experience, sellers benefit from a smoother, more predictable process.
What Sellers Should Expect
During this stage, expect:
inspections to be scheduled quickly
possible repair negotiations
updates from lenders and appraisers
guidance on how to respond at each step
The goal is to move from contract to closing without surprises.
Want Help Navigating the Contingency Period?
If you're thinking about selling your home in Myrtle Beach, understanding this phase ahead of time can help you avoid stress and protect your final outcome.
During a quick consultation, you can learn:
what buyers typically request
how to prepare before listing
how to handle inspections and negotiations
what to expect from contract to closing
Schedule your home selling consultation here:
https://booking.beachpropertiesgroup.com/seller
Or contact:
Brian Staub
Beach Properties Group Keller Williams
601 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 385-6630
[email protected]
https://beachpropertiesgroup.com/
A clear plan during the contingency period can make all the difference in getting to the closing table.
