March 9, 2025

Hey Real Estate Readers!

Ever browsed a home search website and wondered why some listings say "Active," others say "Pending," and then there’s that cryptic “Contingent” status? It’s like real estate has its own secret code. But fear not—I’m here to decode it for you!

Whether you're buying or selling, knowing these terms can help you navigate the process with confidence. Let’s break them down.

Active Listings: The Open Door

A home with an “Active” status is still up for grabs. The seller is accepting offers, and buyers can schedule showings. However, not all "Active" listings are created equal. Here are some variations:

• Active – New: A fresh listing, hot off the press!

• Active – Price Change: The seller has adjusted the price—sometimes up, but often down.

• Active – Kick Out: The seller has accepted an offer with contingencies but is still allowing other buyers to submit offers.

• Active – First Right: Similar to "Kick Out," but the first buyer has the right to match any better offer before losing the contract.

Contingent: The ‘Maybe’ Zone

A “Contingent” status means the seller has accepted an offer, but the deal hinges on certain conditions being met. Common contingencies include:

• Home Inspection Contingency: The buyer can back out if the inspection reveals major issues.

• Financing Contingency: The buyer has to secure a mortgage before moving forward.

• Appraisal Contingency: The home must appraise at or above the offer price for the loan to go through.

• Home Sale Contingency: The buyer has to sell their current home before completing this purchase.

The seller can accept backup offers, just in case the original deal falls through.

Pending: Almost There

A “Pending” status means the home is under contract, and most (if not all) contingencies have been met. It’s basically in the home stretch toward closing.

Some variations include:

• Pending – Continue to Show: The seller might still allow showings, but it's close to being locked in.

• Pending – No Showings: No more showings. The deal is moving forward.

• Pending – Short Sale: The home is waiting for bank approval on a short sale, which can take a while.

Under Contract: The ‘Hold Your Horses’ Phase

"Under Contract" is similar to “Contingent” or “Pending.” The seller has accepted an offer, but the deal isn’t done yet. Buyers might still be able to submit backup offers.

Coming Soon: Not Quite Ready for Showings

A "Coming Soon" listing is on its way to the market but isn’t available for showings yet. This can build anticipation, kind of like a movie trailer for a house.

Withdrawn, Expired, or Canceled: The Ones That Got Away

Not every listing makes it to the closing table. Here’s what happens when they don’t:

• Withdrawn: The seller pulled the listing from the market but may relist later.

• Expired: The listing agreement ran out without a sale. Time to reassess strategy!

• Canceled: The seller and agent parted ways, and the home is no longer listed.

Sold (Closed): The Finish Line

Once all the paperwork is signed and keys are handed over, the home is officially sold! This is the status every seller (and buyer) is aiming for.

Best Platforms

When you're browsing homes online, you want accurate, up-to-date information—not a guessing game. That’s where Homes.com shines compared to Zillow. Homes.com provides real-time listing statuses directly from the MLS, so when a home says it’s “Active,” it really is. Zillow, on the other hand, is designed to be a lead machine for agents, often leaving outdated or misleading statuses up just to capture buyer inquiries—kind of a bait-and-switch vibe for browsing buyers. You might fall in love with a home, only to find out it’s been under contract for weeks! If you want transparency without the runaround, Homes.com is the way to go.

📲 Connect w/ me on Homes.com by entering your email here!

Final Thoughts

Understanding listing statuses helps you make smarter moves in real estate, whether you’re house-hunting or selling. If you ever spot a confusing status while browsing homes, I’m just a message away!

Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s chat—book a consultation here.

Your partner in all things real estate,
Ally

Have questions or want to share your experiences? Drop a comment below! ⬇️

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