Buying a house isn't like buying a television, where you can return it within 30 days if you don't like it. Once the deal is done, it's pretty much done. So it's worth investigating whether you're doing the right thing before the purchase is finalized.

The standard home purchase contract lists several conditions that must be met before the closing will take place, covering issues like financing, inspections, insurance, and more. These conditions are called "contingencies."

How Contingencies Work

You, as well as the seller, will probably ask that a number of these contingencies be added to the written purchase contract. (As a practical matter, you'll be doing most of this on paper, within your written offers and counteroffers.)

The contract will build in a certain amount of time (usually several weeks) between the contract signing and final "closing" of the deal. (In some states, this period is called "escrow.") During this time period, you and the seller will be working hard to meet or remove the various contingencies (for example, by securing a loan and scheduling inspections), and will advise the other party of progress being made. If either of you fails to meet or remove a contingency, you can either call off the purchase or renegotiate around the issue.

Types of Contingencies

Some contingencies are quite standard, and both you and the seller would probably be foolish to reject them. For example, a buyer's inspection contingency is quite common -- in which you condition the closing on receiving and being happy with the result of reports from inspectors whom you hire. For more information, see Get a House Inspection Before Buying.

A financing contingency is also common, making the sale contingent upon you, the buyer, securing an acceptable loan or other financing with which to buy the house.

More and more buyers are adding an insurance contingency to their contracts. That's because in recent years, homeowners living in states with a history of household toxic mold, earthquakes, or hurricanes, have been surprised to receive a flat out "no" from the insurance carriers. You can make your contract contingent on your applying for and receiving a commitment in writing. For more information, see Homeowners' Insurance: What You Need to Know.

Other contingencies are less the norm, and become a matter for negotiation. For example, the seller might ask that the deal be made contingent on his or her successfully buying another house. If you need to move quickly, you can reject this contingency, or demand a time limit. Likewise, you can request that the deal be made contingent on your successfully selling your house.

Next Step

Put your contingencies in writing, most likely as part of your offer on the house, or as part of the contract that you and the seller agree on. For help, see Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home , by Ilona Bray, Alayna Schroeder, and Marcia Stewart.