When can a settlement contingency be utilized?

A settlement contingency can be utilized when buyers have an accepted offer on their current home that has not yet closed. This type of contingency protects the buyers by allowing them to make the purchase of a new property conditional upon the sale of their existing home. If the sale of the current home does not go through for any reason before closing on the new property, the buyers can withdraw from the transaction without penalty. This is an important risk management tool that helps buyers ensure that they're not overextending themselves financially.

In contrast, listing a home for sale by itself does not guarantee a buyer, and thus does not warrant a settlement contingency. Furthermore, if the financing is not yet secured, it may indicate broader financial risk, but does not directly relate to the sale of the current home. Lastly, an uncompleted appraisal might raise concerns about the value of a new property, but it does not directly impact the status of an existing sale and therefore would not justify a settlement contingency.