In today’s market, we are seeing more and more subject-to-sale offers—and let me tell you, and my clients can tell you- they aren’t for the faint of heart! These offers require patience… patience… and yes, even more patience. When you accept one, it’s like lining up a row of dominoes—everything has to fall into place just right for the deal to close.

A subject-to-sale offer means the buyer’s purchase of your home depends on them selling their own property first. Until that happens, your deal can’t move forward. To protect yourself,  we protect our clients by including a 48-hour time clause (sometimes called a “bump clause”). This allows you to keep showing your home to other prospective buyers. If another buyer decides to write an offer, you can accept it—on the condition that the first buyer has 48 hours to remove their “subject to sale” condition. If they can’t, the new offer takes priority.

There are definite upsides to this kind of offer. In a slower market, it can secure you a committed buyer who might not otherwise feel confident making an offer. Sometimes, buyers in this situation will offer a higher price or more favourable terms because they really want your home. Having an accepted offer on the table—subject to sale—can also signal to other buyers that your property is desirable, which can create a sense of urgency. And in certain situations, such as when your home appeals to a niche market or we’re in a buyer’s market, this approach can be a smart move.

But there are also challenges. The biggest is uncertainty—you’re relying on the buyer’s ability to sell their own home, and that’s something you can’t control. Often, it’s not just one other home in the mix; a subject-to-sale offer can involve several linked properties, each of which needs to sell within the agreed timeframe. This creates more moving parts and can make flexibility on dates essential. Coordinating all these sales can be complicated and time-consuming, as every transaction in the chain has to line up perfectly for yours to close.

The bottom line is that subject-to-sale offers can work well when used strategically, yet they require patience. If you’re the first seller in the “domino chain,” your position is strongest when your agent includes a well-structured 48-hour bump clause, keeping your home on the market and your options open.

If you’re thinking about selling and wondering whether to accept this type of offer, let’s talk. I can help you weigh the pros and cons in more depth for your specific situation. 

Rightsizing Isn’t always about moving—It’s about choosing what’s right for you!

At HELM, we don’t talk about “downsizing.” We call it Rightsizing—because this stage of life isn’t about giving up space, it’s about gaining clarity, confidence, and control. And here’s the thing: rightsizing doesn’t always mean moving.

For some, it means finding a new home that better fits their lifestyle. For others, it means modifying their current home to age in place safely and comfortably. Either way, it's about aligning your living situation with your goals—not the other way around.

If you’ve been thinking about making a change—or even just wondering where to begin—my free interactive seminars are the ideal place to start. Join me, Janet Helm, award-winning Realtor and Seniors Real Estate Specialist, for a fun, informative session where we explore all the options—from "Should I renovate?" to "What do I do with all this stuff?" and “Where would I even move to?” 

I’ll walk you through real-life solutions, share practical tools, and answer your questions so you can take your next steps with confidence.

Upcoming Events:

• 📍 Silver Harbour Centre, North Vancouver Wednesday October 15  10:00am - 11:30am.

• 📍 West Vancouver Seniors’ Centre  Friday November 21 st  12pm-1:30pm 

Bring your family, friends and questions—whether you're ready to move, stay, or simply start the conversation.

And if you’re part of a group, club, or community that would benefit from this talk, let’s connect. I’m always happy to bring the conversation to you.