What Does Active Listing Mean in Real Estate?

8 types of active listings in real estate

1. Active contingent (or active with contingencies)

An “active contingent” status means that the seller has accepted an offer, but certain conditions or contingencies must be met before the sale is legally binding and can proceed to close. These could include the buyer selling their current home, obtaining financing, or a satisfactory home inspection.

While you can make an offer on an active contingent home, your chances of success are lower with this listing. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), only about 5% of pending offers fall through. A top real estate agent will know how to make a competitive offer on a contingent status home.

»Learn more: How to beat a contingent offer on the house you want

2. Active first right

“Active first right” refers to a situation where the seller has accepted an offer that includes a condition granting the current buyer a right of first refusal. This means if another offer comes in, the original buyer has the right to match or exceed the new offer to maintain their purchase rights.

In some regions, the “active first right” status is known as a “Right of first refusal.” The use of this status often signifies that the buyer needs to sell their existing home in order to have the proceeds they need to complete the purchase.

»Learn more: How to buy a house contingent on selling yours

3. Active kick-out

An “active kick-out” status occurs when the seller has accepted an offer with contingencies, but the contract includes a kick-out clause. This allows the seller to continue showing the property and accept other offers if the current buyer cannot meet the contingency requirements within a specified period, such as 72 hours.

When you see this listing status, you can work with your real estate agent to craft a strong offer that can kick out (or bump) an existing offer and possibly win the home.

»Learn more: What is a 72-hour kick-out clause

4. Active continue to show

Listings marked “active continue to show” indicate that the seller has accepted an offer but is still showing the property and may accept backup offers. This is a similar seller listing strategy as using “active contingent.” This status is often used when there are uncertainties about the buyer’s ability to close the deal.

With this listing, the seller is open to an offer that gives them more confidence than their pending deal.

»Learn more: Under contract vs. pending: A buyer’s guide

5. Active no-show

“Active no-show” means the property is under contract and the seller is not showing the home to other potential buyers. However, the listing remains active in the MLS until the sale officially closes.

If you’ve fallen in love with a home that is labeled “Active no show,” the seller is probably feeling pretty good about their current offer.

»Learn more: How many showings does it take to sell a house?

6. Active option contract

“Active option contract” means the seller has accepted a purchase offer, and the property is now in the option period (sometimes referred to as the “contingency period” or “due diligence” period). The buyer still has the right, or “option,” to terminate the contract for any reason.

During the option period, the buyer can conduct due diligence, such as inspections or securing financing, without fear of losing the property to another buyer or forfeiting their earnest money deposit. Here again, this status tag is similar to “active contingent.”

In some states, such as Texas, a buyer must pay a fee for this temporary option period.

»Learn more: When can a buyer cancel a home purchase agreement?

7. Active under contract

“Active under contract” means that an offer has been accepted, and the property is under contract, but certain conditions must still be fulfilled before the sale is finalized. The property remains listed as active because the sale is not yet secure.

Sellers using this listing status are often looking for backup offers because they are not fully confident that the sale is headed to closing.

»Learn more: What does ‘Under contract’ mean on a home listing?

8. Active no bump (active without bump)

“Active no bump” indicates that the property is available and can receive offers, but there is no provision for bumping the current offer with a better one.

This listing status can imply a more stable agreement between the buyer and seller, reducing the likelihood of the sale being disrupted by new offers.

»Learn more: What does ‘Active offer no bump’ mean?

As you can see, many of these listing status tags hinge on contingencies within a buyer’s offer. As a buyer yourself, the best way to capture the home you want is to make a non-contingent or less-contingent offer that removes common seller concerns, such as the need to sell your home before completing the purchase.

How can I make a non-contingent offer?

One of the best ways to remove a home sale contingency from your offer is through a modern Buy Before Your Sell program. Innovative real estate companies like HomeLight are making it easy to use the equity from your existing home to make a stronger, less contingent offer. Such programs also streamline and simplify the entire buying and selling experience.

Here’s how HomeLight Buy Before You Sell works:

If your home qualifies, you can get your equity unlock amount approved in 24 hours or less. No cost or commitment is required. Once you’re approved, you can buy your dream home with confidence and then sell your current home with more peace of mind.

»Learn more: How to ‘Buy Before You Sell’ with HomeLight

Partner with an expert to make a strong offer

No matter what active listing status you see on a house for sale, you can significantly increase your chances of making it your home when you partner with a top real estate agent. An expert agent can ensure you are prepared to act swiftly and decisively.

HomeLight can connect you with the most experienced agents in your area who understand how to negotiate and make the best offer possible. To make your strongest offer, use HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program, which unlocks the equity in your current home.

With the right home, the right agent, and the right offer, you can be the buyer who has that dream home under contract and headed for closing.

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