Pending means the seller has accepted a buyer's offer, a purchase contract is in place, and the sale is moving toward closing. The transaction is not complete because the deed and funds have not transferred yet.
| Listing Status | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Active | The home is available, and the seller is seeking offers. |
| Contingent | The seller accepted an offer, but one or more conditions remain unresolved. |
| Pending | The contract has generally passed its major contingencies and is moving toward closing. |
| Closed | The sale is complete, and ownership has transferred. |
What Happens When a Home Is Pending?
A pending sale still has several steps to complete:
- Final mortgage approval and underwriting
- Title search and title insurance
- Appraisal-related requirements
- Final inspection or walkthrough
- Preparation and signing of closing documents
- Transfer of the buyer's funds and ownership
In a July report, the National Association of REALTORS® said pending contracts commonly become completed sales within one to two months. The timeline depends on the contract, the parties involved and any remaining issues.
What Is the Difference Between Contingent and Pending?
A contingent listing has an accepted offer, but the sale depends on unresolved conditions. Common contingencies cover financing, inspections, appraisals and the buyer's sale of another property.
A pending listing has generally satisfied its major contingencies and is closer to closing. The sale can still fail, though. Financing problems, title defects, inspection disputes or other contract issues may stop the transaction.
MLS rules vary by location. Some systems use labels such as "pending continue to show" or "pending no-show," so check the exact status with a local agent.
Can You Make an Offer on a Pending Home?
Usually, you cannot submit a standard primary offer on a pending home because the seller already has a contract. You can ask your agent to contact the listing agent about:
- Whether the seller accepts backup offers
- Whether the current contract has unresolved problems
- Whether the home is actually contingent rather than fully pending
- Whether the seller would consider another offer if the current contract ends
A backup offer does not replace the existing contract. It becomes relevant only if the first sale falls through and the seller is free to accept another buyer.
Can a Pending Real Estate Sale Fall Through?
Yes. A pending sale can fail before closing if:
- The buyer cannot obtain mortgage approval
- The appraisal is below the contract price
- The inspection reveals problems the parties cannot resolve
- The title search finds liens or ownership disputes
- The buyer or seller breaches the contract
- Required repairs or closing conditions are not completed
If the contract ends, the seller may return the home to active status or consider a backup offer.
What Does Pending Mean for a Buyer?
For a buyer, pending usually means the home is no longer freely available. You should not assume the seller will accept a new offer, but you can ask about a backup position.
Before making a backup offer, ask your agent:
- Is the existing contract still valid?
- Would you be next in line if the sale fails?
- Can you withdraw the backup offer?
- How would your earnest money be handled?
- What happens if the first buyer closes?
- Do local law or the purchase contract limit backup offers?
What Does Pending Mean for the Seller?
For the seller, pending means the home is under contract and moving toward closing. The seller must continue meeting the contract's requirements, including agreed repairs, disclosures and closing deadlines.
The seller should also wait until closing is complete before treating the sale as final. Financing delays, title problems and appraisal issues can delay or end the transaction.
Bottom Line
If you want a pending home, ask the listing agent whether backup offers are being accepted. Confirm the exact MLS status, review the terms with your agent and understand what happens to your offer if the first buyer closes.