Browsing real estate marketplaces like Zillow can lead to a mix of excitement and confusion—especially when users come across status labels like “Pending.” If you’re hoping to make an offer on a dream home, seeing that it’s “pending” could feel like a dead end, but understanding what that term truly means can help buyers, sellers, and watchers navigate the process more effectively.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
The term “Pending” on Zillow means that the seller has accepted an offer and that the property is in the process of closing. Although it’s off the market for most practical purposes, deals can sometimes fall through. While the chances of purchasing a “pending” home are slim, it’s not entirely impossible. Buyers seriously interested in such properties should monitor them or contact a real estate agent for advice.
What Does “Pending” Mean?
On Zillow, a listing marked as “Pending” indicates that the home is under contract. This means the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, and the sale is moving toward closing. Unlike “Contingent,” which implies certain conditions must still be met (e.g., financing or inspection), a “Pending” status generally means those hurdles have already been cleared. The sale is now in the final stages before it becomes official.
Simply put, when a home moves into the pending phase, it is essentially off the market. Most sellers will not accept backup offers at this point.
Breakdown of Real Estate Status Terms on Zillow
To understand “Pending” more clearly, it helps to compare it to other common status terms on Zillow:
- Active: The property is still for sale. No offers have been accepted yet.
- Contingent: An offer has been accepted, but specific contingencies (conditions) must be met.
- Pending: Most contingencies have been resolved, and the deal is on its way to closing.
- Off Market: The home is no longer actively for sale (may be sold, withdrawn, or expired).
Why Does a Home’s Status Switch to “Pending”?
A home transitions to pending once the seller accepts a buyer’s offer and all initial deal-conditions have been satisfied. These typically include:
- Home inspections
- Appraisals
- Loan approval or underwriting
Once these steps are completed, the transaction enters the pending stage, awaiting final documentation and transfer of ownership.
Can You Still Buy a Home That’s “Pending”?
Technically, a buyer can express interest in a pending property by submitting a backup offer. However, most sellers stop considering new offers at this stage unless the current deal starts to fall apart. Although rare, pending deals can fail due to a number of last-minute complications such as:
- Financing issues on the buyer’s end
- Discoveries during the final walkthrough
- Unexpected legal or title issues
If you’re truly interested in a pending home, it’s a good idea to have your real estate agent stay in touch with the listing agent. That way, you’ll be the first to know if the home comes back on the market.
Types of Pending Listings
Zillow sometimes categorizes pending statuses in slightly different ways to indicate where the listing is in the process. Here are some common subcategories:
- Pending – Taking Backups: The seller is under contract but willing to consider additional offers in case the first deal falls through.
- Pending – Short Sale: The sale is subject to approval from the seller’s lender, as the seller owes more than the home is worth.
- Pending – Over 4 Months: The property has remained in pending status longer than typical, possibly due to delays in closing.
Understanding these sub-statuses can help determine how “off the market” the home really is.
Should Buyers Even Bother With a Pending Listing?
While it’s not typically fruitful to pursue a home marked as pending, there are strategic reasons to keep an eye on it:
- Deals can break down, especially in complex market conditions.
- Setting up alerts can ensure you’re first in line if the home becomes available again.
- It can provide market insights—for example, houses that move to pending quickly are in high demand.
In rare instances, agents may encourage potential buyers to submit backup offers, especially in very competitive markets. Zillow does not currently show whether a listing is accepting backup offers, so this information often comes directly from agents.
How Long Does a Property Stay Pending on Zillow?
Typically, home sales take about 30 to 45 days to close after the pending status appears, although this can vary. Factors affecting this timeline include:
- Loan approval process
- Home inspection findings
- Appraisal variances
- Title and escrow procedures
If a home has been pending for more than two months, it might be an indication of underlying issues such as title disputes, buyer financing problems, or other closing hurdles.
Tips for Buyers Watching a Pending Listing
Here’s what prospective buyers should do if they’re interested in a pending property:
- Set a Zillow alert for the property to get notified if the status changes.
- Contact a local real estate agent to inquire about the situation.
- Prepare your financing to be ready in case the home becomes available again.
- Don’t stop your search; the chances of landing a pending home are low, so keep your options open.
Conclusion
The “Pending” label on Zillow is more final than “Contingent” and generally signals a home nearing the end of its sale journey. While it’s not impossible for a pending sale to fall through, it’s rare. Buyers should view pending listings as unavailable but can still monitor them for changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Q: Can I tour a home that’s listed as pending?
A: Usually no. Most sellers do not allow showings once a home is in pending status. -
Q: How can I find out if a pending sale might fall through?
A: The best way is to enlist a real estate agent to follow up with the listing agent. They may be able to give non-confidential insights. -
Q: Does Zillow update listing statuses in real-time?
A: Zillow updates frequently, but there may be a short lag depending on MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data feeds. -
Q: Can a seller accept another offer after accepting one and marking the property as pending?
A: In most cases, no. However, if they’re taking backup offers, they can consider yours if the first deal fails. -
Q: What’s the difference between contingent and pending in Zillow terms?
A: Contingent means certain conditions (contingencies) are still being resolved. Pending means most or all conditions have been met and closing is likely imminent.