Final answer:
Eleanor's agent cautioned against a contingent offer because it could make her offer less appealing to sellers and potentially raise the selling price if her motivation is perceived as high.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eleanor's real estate agent has cautioned her against making her offer on a new property contingent on the sale of her current starter home. This caution is likely due to the potential for such a condition to make Eleanor's offer less attractive to sellers, who may prefer a straightforward transaction without the uncertainty of a contingent sale. In a competitive housing market, sellers often favor offers that are less complicated and have a higher likelihood of a prompt and certain closing. Also, if a seller is aware that Eleanor is motivated to buy, they might inflate the price, assuming that she might be willing to pay more to secure the property. Therefore, removing the contingency of selling her current home may position Eleanor's offer more favorably.