As you browse online home listings, you’ll probably notice terms like “active” and “sold.” You might also come across “contingent” and “pending,” which aren’t as straightforward. Both mean the seller has accepted an offer, but they mark different steps in the buying process and can affect your search.
Knowing the difference between contingent and pending is important for buyers. It helps you figure out if a property is still available and whether you should try for a home that’s already under contract. This guide breaks down what each status means, common conditions, and your options as a buyer.
What Does Contingent Mean in Real Estate?
A “contingent” status means the seller has accepted an offer, but the sale depends on certain conditions being met. These conditions, called contingencies, are included in the agreement to protect both sides. If the conditions aren’t met, the deal can be canceled, and the buyer usually keeps their deposit. (Contingent vs. Pending Real Estate: What’s the Difference, 2025)
Contingencies act as a safety net. They give buyers time to check the property and get needed approvals before the sale is final. For sellers, contingencies set clear rules for moving forward and explain when the deal can be ended if things don’t progress.
Common Contingencies in Real Estate Contracts
Purchase agreements can have different contingencies, but some show up more often than others. Here are the ones you’ll see most often:
- Inspection Contingency: This is a key protection for buyers. It lets you hire a professional to check the home’s condition. If the inspection finds major problems, you can ask for repairs, try to lower the price, or even walk away from the deal. (Lucio, 2025)
- Appraisal Contingency: Lenders want to make sure the home’s value matches or exceeds the loan amount. If the appraisal is lower than the sale price, this contingency lets the buyer renegotiate or cancel the contract. Without it, the buyer may have to pay the difference between the appraised value and the price they pay themselves. (What Is An Appraisal Contingency?, 2023)
- Financing Contingency: Also called a mortgage contingency, this gives the buyer time to get a loan. If they can’t get approved in time, they can back out without penalty. This protects buyers from being forced to buy a home they can’t afford. (What Is A Mortgage Contingency?, 2023)
- Title Contingency: A title search checks that the seller can legally sell the home and that there are no liens or claims against it. If the search finds problems, such as an old claim or unpaid debt, this contingency lets the buyer back out until the title is clear. (Title search, 2025)
- Home Sale Contingency: Buyers use this when they need to sell their current home before buying a new one. If their home doesn’t sell in time, they can cancel the agreement. This gives buyers security, but sellers often don’t like it because it adds uncertainty. (Consumer Guide: Real Estate Sales Contract Contingencies, 2025)
What Does Pending Mean in Real Estate?
When a property goes from “contingent” to “pending,” it means all contingencies have been met or removed. The deal is now moving toward closing, and both the buyer and seller are legally committed to finishing the sale. (Contingent vs. Pending Real Estate: What’s the Difference, 2025)
A pending sale is much closer to being final than a contingent one. While a pending deal can still fall through, such as from a last-minute financing issue or a problem found during the final walk-through, it’s much less likely. Most pending sales close without problems. (Contingent vs. Pending Real Estate: What’s the Difference, 2025)
Different Types of Pending Statuses
Within the “pending” category, there are a few types that give more details about how the sale is going:
- Pending – Taking Backups: This means the deal is moving toward closing, but the seller is still open to backup offers. If the current deal falls through, the seller can quickly move to a backup buyer without relisting the home. (Pending – Taking Backups, n.d.)
- Pending – Short Sale: In a short sale, the homeowner sells the property for less than what they owe on the mortgage. The seller’s lender must approve the sale, which can take time. The “pending” status means an offer is accepted, but the deal is waiting for the lender’s final approval. (Brooks & Green, 2025)
- Pending – More Than 4 Months: If a listing has been pending for more than four months, it might mean there’s a delay in closing. Sometimes, though, the agent just forgot to update the status to “sold” after the sale finished. (Pending – Over 4 Months, n.d.)
Can You Make an Offer on a Contingent or Pending Home?
Yes, you can rely on a home listed as co or pendin, which is called a “backup offer.” If the deal falls through, the main can accept your offer without putting the house back on the market; it’s worth your time depending on the specific circumstances. It’s generally more strategic to make a backup offer on a contingent property, as the chances of the initial deal collapsing are higher. A home sale contingency, for example, can be a significant hurdle. If you are a buyer without such a condition, your offer might be very attractive to a seller who is nervous about their current contract. (Fine, 2024)
Making an offer on a pending home is less likely to work, since these sales usually close. (Contingent vs. Pending Real Estate: What’s the Difference, 2023) Still, if you really want to, it doesn’t hurt to try. You can reach out to the seller’s agent to see if they’ll consider the current deal.
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probably won’t search, don’t automatically dismiss these listings. Talk to your real estate agent about the specific contingencies or status of a property you’re interested in. With the right strategy and a little bit of luck, you might just be able to snag your dream home, even if someone else saw it first.
