Table of Contents
Active Under Contract Meaning
Active Under Contract vs. Pending
Can You Tour Properties That Are Active Under Contract?
Can You Make an Offer On a House That Is Under Contract?
What Is an Active Option Contract?
Active Under Contract Bottom Line
Active Under Contract Meaning
Active under contract means the buyer has accepted an offer from the seller, but the deal is in the early stages and hasn't yet closed. Most of the time, when you see a home listed as active under contract it means that some contingencies must be met for the sale to officially close.
Typically, the contingencies on a house that is active under contract can be related to the buyer receiving financing, home inspections, and appraisals. If these contractual agreements go unfulfilled, a sale can fall through. If this occurs, the property will remain active but no longer under contract on the MLS, allowing other buyers to swoop in and make offers on the home.
Active Under Contract vs. Pending
Once all the contingencies in the purchase contract are fulfilled the status of the property will change from active under contract to pending. If a property on the MLS has a pending status, it means that the sale has entered the escrow period. During this time, the final stages are underway. Final paperwork is signed, and the disbursement of funds takes place.
Can You Tour Properties That Are Active Under Contract?
Yes, A buyer’s agent can show their clients any home as long as the seller, and their agent agrees. If you find your dream home, you can still request to view the property, although chances are slimmer with a pending sale. Many people choose not to view a house that has a pending sale for fear of falling in love and suffering disappointment when the home sells. But life happens, and there is always a chance that a pending sale doesn’t reach the final stage.
It’s worth noting that, while a listing agent usually won’t accept offers on a house that has a pending sale, a buyer’s agent can contact the listing agent and let them know they have a client who is keen and interested in the property. This means that, if the sale does fall through, they have a heads up and can quickly write an offer before the house is put back on the MLS as active.
Remember, each circumstance is very different, and it often depends on both the buyers and the sellers. There isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution to when you can view a property or whether or not a sale will go through. It’s best to ask your agent on a case-by-case basis, as it’s their job to do the very best they can to get you the home you want. However, having a good understanding of these essential real estate terms will help you feel confident and pave the way on your path to purchasing the home of your dreams.
Can You Make an Offer On a House That Is Under Contract?
Yes, you can make an offer on a house that is under contract, but this will be considered a backup offer. This allows the seller to enter into a contract with another buyer should the initial contractual contingencies go unfulfilled, and the sale falls through.
Because of this, homes that are active under contract can still be viewed by other potential buyers. No rule says you can’t view a house under contract, but often this decision is left up to the seller. Many people who are selling homes understand that sales can fail at multiple points throughout the selling process and will continue to show a property in preparation for the chance that contractual contingencies go unfulfilled.
The seller ultimately has some control over the status of a listing on the MLS. For example, if they have received an offer and moved to the contract stage of a sale, but they wish their selling agent to continue to market the property in order to obtain back-up offers, a seller can instruct their agent to maintain the home as active under contract on the MLS. By the same token, if a seller receives an offer that they feel strongly about, they can ask their agent to change the status of the property to “pending.” At this point, even though there are contractual contingencies that still need to be fulfilled, the agent will stop marketing and showing the property to other potential buyers.
What Is an Active Option Contract?
An active option contract is a term that is used when the seller has accepted a buyer’s offer, but the transaction is in the negotiated “option” or inspection period. With most active option contracts, the buyer will have a few days to inspect the home and retains an option to terminate the contract. Active option contracts are similar to and may also be referred to as contingency periods or due diligence periods in various areas.
Active Under Contract Bottom Line
While it is possible to view and even make an offer on a house that is active under contract, it's important to remember that you'll be the backup. Most homes that are active under contract will eventually close when contingencies are met. It's unlikely for a seller to back out of a signed contract otherwise, even if you offer more, as they would risk a lawsuit from the other buyer.