Under contract
What does “under contract” mean? Explained in English and Spanish
Under contract means the seller accepted an offer and both buyer and seller signed the purchase contract. The home has a buyer, but the sale is not finished: inspection, appraisal, financing and closing are still ahead.
Can the deal still fall through?
Yes. While contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing, sale of another home) are open, the buyer can still leave the contract within the deadlines and on the terms the contract sets. That is why some listings show “active under contract”: the seller still accepts backup offers.
Under contract vs. pending
Pending usually means a later stage – the main contingencies are resolved or the seller no longer takes backup offers. The exact meaning depends on the local MLS.
Send it in Spanish
The same explanation for a Spanish-speaking buyer or seller – copy and send:
“Under contract” significa que el vendedor aceptó una oferta y comprador y vendedor firmaron el contrato. La casa ya tiene comprador, pero la venta todavía no está terminada: faltan la inspección, el avalúo, el préstamo y el cierre.
Calculate the deadlines: Real estate contract timeline calculator
General explanation, not legal advice and not a translation of the contract. The signed contract and the law of the state where the property is located govern.
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