Home inspection while property still listed?

[Donald M.]

I made an offer on a property and received an acceptance by email from the seller's agent with some contingencies. He wants me to schedule the home inspection but the property is still listed on the MLS (or at least on a couple of the big websites, presumably on the MLS as well) and I haven't seen the condo documents. Doesn't this leave the seller open to back out if they get a better offer after I have done the inspection? I think I am going to decline to schedule it until I have seen the condo docs and until I have the seller's signature on my offer. Is this reasonable of me and how one would usually do things?

[Patrick L.]

If you have an executed contract (signed by both parties with EMD made) then it's not a big deal. They can take backup offers but if you have it under contract it's up to you whether it closes or not. I will often leave my properties active with contract until the initial hurdles are cleared if I think the buyer might be flaky.