Contingent
A listing that's under contract but with active contingencies that could still fall through, like inspection, financing, or the sale of the buyer's current home.
Every term like this one lights up in the step you're on.
Free to set up. No credit card.Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
Contingent tells other buyers your home is under contract but the deal could still fall apart. In some MLSs showings continue, and back-up offers are the reason.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
Your listing shows contingent while the buyer's inspection and financing run. A second buyer asks to see it anyway and writes a back-up offer.
| The status | What it says to the market |
|---|---|
| Contingent | Under contract with doors still open; back-ups welcome |
| Pending | Under contract with the doors mostly shut |
| Active | No contract yet |
Contingent is the honest middle: sold if everything holds, available if it does not.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That contingent means the home is off the market. It is under contract; whether it is still shown depends on the listing.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
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