What’s the Difference Between “Under Contract” and “Pending”?

 (And Why It Matters When You're House Hunting)

If you’ve ever browsed home listings online, you’ve probably seen terms like “Under Contract” or “Pending” next to a property’s status. But what do they actually mean? Are those homes still available? Can you still make an offer?

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

First, the Big Picture:

Both “Under Contract” and “Pending” mean the seller has already accepted an offer from a buyer.

• These homes are not actively for sale anymore, but the deal isn't fully closed yet.

• The difference lies in how far along the process is between the buyer and seller.

🔑 “Under Contract” — The Deal Has Started, But It’s Not Done Yet

What it means:

• The seller has accepted an offer from a buyer.

• But the buyer still has contingencies to work through — like getting a loan, doing an inspection, or getting an appraisal.

Think of it like:

🧩 “Under Contract” is like being engaged — the couple has said yes, but they still have to plan the wedding. There’s still a chance things could fall apart.

Common contingencies during this stage might include:

• Home inspection: The buyer might back out or ask for repairs.

• Appraisal: The lender needs to confirm the home's value.

• Financing: The buyer still needs full loan approval.

• Title search: Any legal issues with the property must be resolved.

Can you still make an offer?
💡 Sometimes, yes!
The seller may still accept backup offers in case the first deal falls through.

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✅ “Pending” — The Deal Is Almost Done

What it means:

• The contingencies have been cleared.

• The buyer and seller are now just waiting for closing day to sign the final papers.

Think of it like:

🎉 “Pending” is like being at the altar on the wedding day — the couple is about to say “I do.” It’s very unlikely anything will go wrong now.

At this point:

• The buyer has secured financing.

• Inspections are done and accepted.

• All negotiations have been settled.

• Closing documents are being prepared.

Can you still make an offer?
🚫 Usually no.
Most pending sales are considered locked in, and the seller is not accepting other offers.

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🤔 Why Should You Care?

If you’re shopping for a home, understanding these terms helps you:

• Avoid getting your hopes up for homes that are already spoken for.

• Know when it’s still worth calling your agent to ask about a backup offer.

• Understand how far along a deal is — in case you're the buyer or seller yourself.

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✍️ Final Thoughts

Here’s a quick way to remember it:

Status	What It Means	Can You Make an Offer?	Analogy
Under Contract	Offer accepted, but still in progress	Sometimes	Engagement — not married yet
Pending	Everything is done, just waiting to close	Usually no	Wedding day — ready to say “I do”

Even though these homes aren’t fully sold yet, they’re off the market for most buyers. But if you really love a home that’s “under contract,” don’t be afraid to ask your agent about backup options — sometimes deals do fall through.