What happens if you buy a house and change your mind?

Asked by: Dr. Bennie Hahn  |  Last update: June 10, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (59 votes)

You can back out of buying a house any time before closing. However, you'll likely face penalties — including possibly being sued — if the purchase agreement has already been signed and you're backing out for a reason that isn't listed as a contingency in the purchase agreement.

What happens if you put in an offer on a house and change your mind?

If the buyer changes their mind for a reason that is not covered by a contingency, they may forfeit their earnest money deposit. For example, if the buyer simply decides they do not want to purchase the home, they will likely lose their earnest money deposit.

Can I change my mind when buying a house?

Yes, buyers can change their minds about buying the house before officially closing on it. However, once both parties have signed the purchase agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract. You are then subject to any and all penalties outlined in the agreement if you then decide to not go through with the purchase.

Can you back out after buying a house?

You cannot back out of any home sale after closing, because after closing, you own it. The only way to ``back out'' is to sell the property, which is not ``backing out'' at all, it is then selling what you now own.

Can you change your mind on buying a house before closing?

Yes, buyers can change their minds about buying the house before officially closing on it. However, once both parties have signed the purchase agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract. You are then subject to any and all penalties outlined in the agreement if you then decide to not go through with the purchase.

Can you change your mind after accepting an offer on your house?

45 related questions found

Can I cancel a house contract after signing?

Backing out of a contract can have financial and legal consequences. Buyers who back out without cause typically forfeit their earnest money deposit, and the seller could bring legal action. If the seller cancels the contract without cause, the buyer could sue the seller to force them to complete the sale.

Can a buyer back out 2 days before closing?

You can back out of buying a house any time before closing. However, you'll likely face penalties — including possibly being sued — if the purchase agreement has already been signed and you're backing out for a reason that isn't listed as a contingency in the purchase agreement.

What happens if you break up after buying a house?

You can either follow the legal procedures that apply in your state—typically this means the court will order the property to be sold, and the net proceeds (after paying mortgages, liens, and costs of sale) to be divided—or you can reach your own compromise settlement.

Can a buyer pull out after signing contracts?

Following the exchange of contracts is completion, but there is usually some time for the buyer and seller to make final arrangements. All parties are legally bound following the exchange of contracts. This means that they can face legal consequences if they withdraw from the sale.

Can you return a house after buying?

It depends on how far along your deal was. If you back out before a contract was signed, there are likely to be no consequences. If you already had a signed purchase agreement, though, you could potentially lose your earnest money deposit or even be sued.

Can a buyer change mind after signing a contract?

A buyer can back out of a home purchase even after signing a contract if all agreed-upon contingencies are not met. Common reasons for buyers to back out include issues revealed during a home inspection and problems with financing. Having a backup offer in place can help soften the blow in case a deal falls through.

What if I change my mind and don t want to sell my house?

You've Changed Your Mind and No Longer Wish To Sell

It's your house — you can stay there for as long as you like. Just because you put it on the real estate market doesn't mean you're obligated to sell.

Can I change my mind on a purchase?

14 days is the absolute minimum cooling-off period that a seller must give you. Make sure you check the terms and conditions in case they've given you more time to change your mind - many choose to do so.

What happens if I change my mind about buying a house?

If the buyer simply changes their mind, they will most likely lose their earnest money. The deposit usually goes to the seller as indicated in the contract terms.

Can you cancel a house offer after accepted?

The short answer is yes, you can back out of an accepted house offer. However, when you sign a purchase agreement, you're entering into a legally binding contract that includes specific terms. Typically, you'll be required to make an upfront payment known as an earnest money deposit.

What happens if you accept an offer and then change your mind?

Turning down a job offer after you have already accepted it can be an uncomfortable experience. However, as long as you have not signed an employment contract with the company, you are legally allowed to change your mind.

What happens when buyer backs out of contract?

If all the conditions are met, the parties who signed the contract have to go through with the deal. If the conditions are met and a party refuses to complete the sale, that party then risks creating a dispute with the other side that may require arbitration or litigation to resolve.

What happens if you make an offer on a house and then change your mind?

Getting Out of a Signed Contract to Buy a House

The earnest money deposit that you likely put down to accompany your contract might be forfeited if you fail to go through with the deal for a reason not contemplated in the contract.

Can I cancel a house purchase agreement?

Your buyer's agreement is usually binding for a set period. However, most of these agreements contain language that will allow you to terminate with a letter of cancellation. Your search and payment agreement should include options for either you or the realtor to terminate.

Do you lose money if you back out of buying a house?

In California, home buyers can legally back out of a real estate transaction without losing the deposit if they have a contingency in place. This contingency should be written into the purchase agreement in the form of a standard legal clause.

How to separate when you just bought a house?

Sell the house outright

If neither of you wants to stay in the house, you can agree to just jointly sell the property. This is the “clean break” solution and if there is equity in the house the only point of contention will be how to split it.

What happens if something goes wrong after you buy a house?

If you discover material defects after the real estate transaction has closed, you may have an action for breach of contract. A qualified, local real estate attorney with experience in housing and construction defects can help you understand your rights and draft an appropriate demand letter.

How many days does a buyer have to cancel?

Under another federal law, the "three-day cancellation rule," you have until midnight of the third business day after a contract was signed to cancel a home improvement loan, a second mortgage, or another loan where you pledge your home as security (except for a first mortgage). (15 U.S.C. § 1635).

Can a buyer change their mind after closing on a house?

Yes. For certain types of mortgages, after you sign your mortgage closing documents, you may be able to change your mind. You have the right to cancel, also known as the right of rescission, for most non-purchase money mortgages. A non-purchase money mortgage is a mortgage that is not used to buy the home.

What happens if a buyer decides not to close?

When a buyer cannot or does not complete an agreement without cause the buyer will be responsible for making the seller “whole”. This means that the seller is entitled to be put in the same position as the seller would have been had the buyer completed the transaction as scheduled.