Backup Offer
A backup offer is your bid on a home that’s already under contract with another buyer — you’re next in line if that deal falls through.
About 5%–7% of home sales fall through before closing. Financing gets denied, inspections reveal problems, buyers get cold feet. When that happens, the seller doesn’t want to start over from scratch. If you’ve submitted a backup offer, you move into first position automatically.
It’s like being the understudy. You wait in the wings, and sometimes you get the part.
How Backup Offers Work
You submit a full offer — price, contingencies, earnest money, closing timeline — just like a primary offer. The seller accepts it as backup, meaning it activates only if the first deal fails. Your earnest money typically isn’t deposited until your offer becomes primary.
On a $350K home, your backup offer sits in limbo. You’re not obligated to wait — you can withdraw your backup offer at any time and make offers on other properties.
Is It Worth Submitting a Backup Offer?
If you love the property and don’t mind the uncertainty, yes. Backup offers cost nothing to submit and keep your option open. The downside: you might emotionally attach to a house that never becomes available.
Watch out for: Putting your search on hold while waiting in backup position. Don’t stop looking at other homes. Keep touring, keep making offers. If another home works out, withdraw your backup. If the backup activates, you’ll need to decide quickly — the seller won’t wait long. Make sure your financing stays current so you can move fast.
How long do I wait as a backup?
It depends on the primary buyer’s contract timeline. If they have 30 days to close and fall out on day 25, you’ve waited nearly a month. Most contracts close within 30–45 days, so that’s your typical wait window. Some buyers ask their agent to check in weekly on the primary deal’s status. Your buyer’s agent can track this for you. Browse our glossary for more on multiple offers and escalation clauses.