My mother in law has a friend who has the "perfect" house for my wife and I. The friend is willing to lower the price for us and maybe hold the house. This is very nice and all, but we are locked in a loan until October. As such, we don't plan on putting out house on the market until September 1st. We plan on making an offer on the "perfect" house this week. Thoughts?

I would say the 4 month contingency would be up to the seller. If they would want to go 4 months until they sell. Or offer a substancal amount for ernest money. You might talk to the sellers and go from there.

The seller said that they would be willing to wait if the deal was for SURE.

What does SURE mean??????

Your house could not sell in time or not sell at all,you could have a sudden job transfer or illness in the family.

Your house could be under contract and not appraise and th eloan for your buyer could fall through.Clarify and see what SURE means to them and see if you want to do it.They might want non-refundable earnest money up front to tie up there property for 4 months.You could also have an option contract giving them the right to continued marketing there house for sale and you have right of first refusal meaning if someone comes in and wants to buy in 2 months you have the option but not the obligation to purchase first or terminate and let the other buyer purchase the house.

no legal advice

I'll find out what "for sure" means when I submit an offer with my stipulations. Money talks...

Where is the seller going? If she is moving in with her kids, moving into a luxury senior apartment, or moving into a new subdivision, she may be more willing to wait it out because those things may offer more flexibility. If she wants to do something more deadline specific, then it starts to get stressful.

You would think that buying or selling their own home would be easier for an agent, but not so, I'll bet.

The seller's being relocated to Vegas. His company is paying for the listing and an other expenses.