In the competitive coastal corridors of New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties, “Under Contract” doesn’t always mean “Sold.” With the complexities of coastal inspections and the rigorous due diligence process in North Carolina, a significant percentage of transactions fall through before reaching the closing table.

For buyers who missed out on a dream home in Wrightsville Beach or a quiet acreage in Hampstead, a strategically placed backup offer is not just a “plan B” — it is a sophisticated tool that puts you first in line the moment the primary contract falters.

How the Backup Addendum Works

In North Carolina, a backup offer is a fully executed contract. It is not a “maybe” or a “letter of intent.” Both the buyer and seller sign the contract along with a Backup Contract Addendum.

• The Primary Status: Your contract sits in a “secondary” position. You do not have to pay the Due Diligence Fee or perform inspections while you are in the backup position.
• The “Trigger” Moment: If the primary buyer terminates their contract, the seller provides written notice to you. At that exact moment, your contract automatically becomes the primary agreement.
• The Due Diligence Clock: Your due diligence period officially begins the day you receive that written notice. This gives you the full time allotted in your contract to perform your own inspections and appraisals in Wilmington or Surf City.

Myth vs. Reality: The Waiting Game

Many buyers fear that a backup offer “traps” them, preventing them from looking at other homes.

Myth: If I’m in a backup position, I can’t make an offer on another house.

Reality: You can terminate a backup contract at any time before it becomes the primary contract by providing written notice to the seller. This allows you to stay “in the game” for one house while continuing your search in Leland or Oak Island.

Strategic Advice for “Winning” from Second Place

In the Southeastern NC market, sellers often prefer a backup offer over relisting a property on the MLS. Relisting can sometimes carry a “stigma” (even if the previous buyer simply had a change of heart), whereas moving directly to a backup offer is seamless.

To make your backup offer irresistible to a seller in Topsail or Jacksonville, consider these tactics:

• Match or Beat the Price: Sellers rarely take a backup offer that is lower than their current primary contract.
• Shorten the Timelines: Offer a quick due diligence period and a fast closing. The seller is already behind schedule because of the failed first contract; they want a sure thing.
• Highlight Financial Strength: A pre-approval letter from a reputable local lender carries significant weight when a seller is nervous about a second deal falling through.

Why Coastal Deals Often Fail

Understanding why primary contracts fail gives you the advantage. In our region, deals most often collapse due to flood insurance costs, unexpected results from WDO (Wood-Destroying Organism) inspections, or issues uncovered during a septic system dye test in more rural parts of Brunswick County. Being prepared to navigate these specific coastal hurdles makes you a more attractive secondary buyer.

Your Next Step

Securing a property in a high-demand market requires a partner who knows how to position you for success even when you aren’t the first offer on the table. At Aspyre Realty Group, we are experts in listening and communicating people’s wants into homes that work for them. We act as your strategic partner and guide, helping you utilize tools like the Backup Contract Addendum to ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect home in Southeastern North Carolina.