Should You Waive Contingencies When Buying a House in Minnesota? A 2026 Twin Cities Homebuyer’s Guide

She found the house she loved in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Three bedrooms on one level. A spacious backyard. The kind of home she could picture herself living in for years.

Then came the advice from her cousin.

“If you really want the house, waive your contingencies. That’s how you win.”

And she almost did.

But before writing an offer, we looked at the comparable home sales in Brooklyn Park, reviewed the property’s days on market, and evaluated the competition.

Here’s what we discovered.

The house had been sitting on the market for five weeks. There were no competing offers.

There was absolutely no reason to give up her protections just to make her offer look stronger.

She kept her home inspection contingency.

And thank goodness she did.

The inspection uncovered a failing sump pump and elevated radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action level.

We negotiated, and the seller agreed to address both issues.

She got the house she wanted without taking on unnecessary expenses or risks.

That’s why understanding the 2026 Twin Cities real estate market matters.

Because the homebuying advice that worked in 2021 could cost you thousands of dollars today.

Should You Waive Contingencies When Buying a House in Minnesota?

Quick answer: In most situations, Minnesota homebuyers should avoid waiving all contingencies. Inspection, financing, and appraisal contingencies provide important protections during a real estate transaction. Whether to modify or waive a specific contingency depends on the property’s condition, market competition, financing, and the buyer’s financial risk tolerance.

In 2021, buyers across Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, and surrounding Twin Cities communities were competing against multiple offers, sometimes within hours of a home hitting the market.

Buyers frequently waived inspections, offered above asking price, and accepted significant financial risks to compete.

The 2026 Twin Cities housing market looks different.

With more homes available and longer marketing times in many areas, buyers may have additional opportunities to negotiate.

But that doesn’t mean every home is negotiable.

Well-priced, move-in-ready homes in desirable neighborhoods can still attract strong competition.

The goal isn’t to waive every contingency. It’s to understand which terms will make your offer competitive without exposing you to unnecessary risk.

What Is a Contingency in a Minnesota Real Estate Purchase Agreement?

A contingency is a condition written into a real estate purchase agreement that must be satisfied or properly addressed for the transaction to move forward.

Depending on the contract language and deadlines, a contingency may give the buyer the right to negotiate, cancel the p