Updated June 2026 · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555

Listing Agent Playbook: Rescuing a Contract Contingent on Buyer Sale (CCBS) Deal

A contract contingent on buyer sale is the deal-killer that listing agents see every spring. The buyer's offer says "we close once our current home sells." The seller doesn't want a contingent offer. Here's the playbook for using BBYS bridge financing or guaranteed backup contracts to remove the contingency and save the transaction.

Why CCBS deals fall apart in Arizona

Arizona move-up buyers often need their current home equity for the next purchase down payment. Without bridge financing or a backup contract, they can't close until their existing home sells — meaning their offer is contingent. In competitive Arizona markets, sellers reject contingent offers in favor of cleaner cash or non-contingent financing offers. The buyer loses the home; the listing agent's ratification falls apart; everyone resets.

When a bridge loan fixes the CCBS problem

If your buyer has substantial equity in the current home and the issue is simply not having cash on hand for the new down payment, a bridge loan from Cornerstone's in-house bridge program pulls equity from the current home and makes it available as down payment cash. The buyer writes a non-contingent offer. The bridge is paid off when the current home sells (typically 30-90 days post-purchase).

When the Guaranteed Backup Contract fixes the CCBS problem

If your buyer has the down payment cash but can't qualify for the new mortgage because their existing home's payment (PITIA) drives their DTI too high, the Guaranteed Backup Contract solves the DTI side specifically. The contract removes the existing home's PITIA from DTI for qualifying purposes, letting the buyer get approved on the new mortgage without selling first.

What Mike needs from you and your buyer

Current home address, estimated value, mortgage balance
Target purchase address (if identified) and price range
Buyer's recent income docs (W-2s or 1099s, last 2 pay stubs)
Asset statements (most recent 2 months on every account)
Credit authorization (we run a soft pull during initial review)
Timeline target — when does the offer need to be revised or written?

Realistic timeline from agent call to revised approval

Day 0: Agent calls Mike. 20-minute scenario review.
Day 1-3: Buyer submits documents.
Day 3-7: Mike issues preliminary qualifying letter showing bridge or backup contract path will work.
Day 7-14: Updated non-contingent offer goes out OR existing contingent offer modified to non-contingent.
Day 21-35: Bridge or backup contract closes alongside the new purchase mortgage.

Agent-safe next step

Before cancelling a contingent deal that you suspect is fixable, call Mike. The 20-minute scenario review often surfaces a bridge or backup path that saves the transaction. No commitment from you or your buyer to use Cornerstone — the goal is identifying whether the deal CAN be rescued before you go through the cancellation process.

FAQ

How fast can Mike issue a revised pre-approval letter?

Typically 3-7 days from when complete buyer documents arrive. Faster if the buyer has been pre-approved previously and we just need to add the bridge/backup contract layer.

Does the buyer need to use Cornerstone for the new purchase mortgage if they use the bridge?

Yes — the bridge and the new purchase mortgage are typically closed together by Cornerstone. The bridge is paid off from current home sale proceeds.

What if the buyer's current home isn't listed yet?

Bridge financing typically requires the home to be listed (or about to list). Backup contract doesn't have the listing requirement and can fit a wider range of scenarios. Mike walks through both during the call.

What if the buyer's credit is below 700?

Both bridge and backup contract programs have credit floors. We need to see the specific FICO during the consult to confirm program fit.