Real Estate Definitions › Contracts & Agreements

Contingent vs. Pending

Outland and Associates Real EstateJames Outland, Broker AssociateDRE #01314390

What is Contingent vs. Pending?

“Contingent” means a seller has accepted an offer but key conditions (like inspection, appraisal, or loan) still need to be met, while “pending” means those contingencies are cleared and the sale is moving to closing. A contingent deal is more likely to fall through than a pending one. Listings often show these statuses to signal where a sale stands.

Example: A home goes “contingent” once an offer is accepted, then flips to “pending” after the buyer removes their inspection and loan contingencies.

Important Disclaimer

This definition is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Real estate laws and lending rules change and vary by situation. Before acting, consult a licensed attorney, CPA, lender, or other qualified professional in the State of California regarding your specific circumstances.

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