{"id":72187,"date":"2025-06-27T09:27:10","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T16:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=72187"},"modified":"2025-06-27T09:26:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T16:26:33","slug":"what-is-a-kick-out-clause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-a-kick-out-clause\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Kick-Out Clause and How Do You Use It?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A <\/span>kick-out clause<\/span> is a real estate contract provision that allows a seller to accept an offer from a buyer with a <\/span>home sale contingency <\/span><\/a>while still marketing the home to other buyers. If a better offer comes along, the seller can “kick out” the first buyer unless they remove their contingency within a specified timeframe, usually 72 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re listing your home for sale in Denver<\/a> or buying a house in Raleigh<\/a>, this Redfin guide<\/a> breaks down how a kick-out clause works, who it benefits, and when it\u2019s worth using.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is a kick-out clause?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A kick-out clause gives home sellers the right to continue marketing their home after accepting a contingent offer, typically when the buyer needs to sell their current home first. If another qualified buyer submits a stronger offer, the seller can notify the original buyer, who must then either remove their home sale contingency and proceed with the purchase or walk away from the deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do real estate contracts include kick-out clauses?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Kick-out clauses are common in competitive <\/span>housing markets<\/span><\/a>, especially when:<\/span><\/p>\n