GLOSSARY — REAL ESTATE TERMS
Contingent vs. Pending
A contingent listing status means a seller has accepted an offer that still has active contingencies, while pending means all contingencies have been removed and the sale is proceeding toward closing.
The practical difference
A contingent listing has an accepted offer, but the buyer still has active contingencies -- inspection, loan, or appraisal -- that could allow them to cancel. A pending listing has moved past those contingencies and is on a more certain path to closing.
Can a seller still accept offers?
Some contingent listings remain active for backup offers if the seller wants that flexibility, while others are marked to show no further offers are being considered. Pending listings are almost always closed to new offers, since the deal is much closer to finalizing.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE A CONTINGENT OR PENDING LISTING
- Ask your agent to contact the listing agent about backup offer interest
- Find out specifically which contingencies are still active on a contingent listing
- Don't rule out a contingent property entirely -- some deals do fall through
- Focus your active search on active listings rather than pending ones
Should I make an offer on a contingent listing?
It depends on whether the listing is marked as accepting backup offers -- your agent can find out directly by contacting the listing agent.
Why do some listings stay contingent for a long time?
Longer contingency periods, financing delays, or extended negotiations over inspection findings can all keep a listing in contingent status longer than typical.
Is a pending sale ever at risk of falling through?
It's less common than with contingent listings, but pending sales can still fall apart due to a failed final walk-through, title issue, or last-minute financing problem.