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Decoding Active Contingent Listings In Real Estate

Decoding Active Contingent Listings in Real Estate: A Comprehensive Guide

Amanda Byford
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About Active Contingent Listings

In the world of real estate, navigating through property listings can often feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. 

Among the numerous terms and phrases, “Active Contingent” stands out as a term that requires a deeper understanding. 

If you’re new to the real estate game or looking to enhance your knowledge, this article will serve as your comprehensive guide to understanding Active Contingent listings and their significance in the realm of property transactions.

Understanding Listing Statuses

Before we dive into the intricacies of Active Contingent listings, it’s essential to have a grasp of the broader concept of listing statuses. 

When a property is put up for sale, it goes through various stages that reflect its availability and the progress of the sale. 

These statuses help both buyers and sellers understand the current state of the property.

The Most Common Listing Statuses Include:

  1. Active: The property is on the market and available for purchase.
  2. Pending: A buyer has made an offer, and the seller has accepted it. However, the sale has not yet closed.
  3. Sold: The property has successfully closed, and the sale is complete.
  4. Withdrawn: The property has been taken off the market, usually due to reasons like the seller changing their mind or deciding to make renovations.
  5. Expired: The listing agreement between the seller and their real estate agent has ended without the property being sold.
  6. Contingent: The property is under contract, but certain conditions or contingencies need to be met for the sale to proceed.
  7. Active Contingent: This is where things get interesting. An Active Contingent listing indicates that the property is under contract, but the seller is still actively seeking offers, and the sale is not yet final. Let’s delve deeper into this status.

Decoding Active-Contingent Listings

An Active Contingent listing essentially means that a seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, but the transaction is not yet complete due to specific contingencies that must be satisfied. 

Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the sale to move forward. These contingencies can vary widely and typically revolve around areas such as inspections, appraisals, financing, and more.

Types of Contingencies

  1. Inspection Contingency: This is one of the most common contingencies. It allows the buyer to conduct a property inspection to identify any issues or defects. In the event of uncovering substantial issues, the buyer possesses the leverage to engage in discussions over repairs or even opt for a complete withdrawal from the transaction.
  2. Appraisal Contingency: The property must appraise for at least the sale price. If the appraisal comes in lower, the buyer might request a price reduction or terminate the contract.
  3. Financing Contingency: This contingency ensures that the buyer can secure the necessary financing for the purchase. If the buyer is unable to secure a loan, the contract can be terminated.
  4. Sale Contingency: In cases where the buyer needs to sell their current home to finance the new purchase, the sale of the new property is contingent on the sale of their old property.
  5. Title Contingency: The buyer’s offer is contingent on a clear title being transferred to them. If there are any issues with the property’s title, the buyer can back out.

Significance of Active-Contingent Listings

Active Contingent listings play a crucial role in the real estate market. For sellers, it’s an opportunity to keep their options open and potentially receive better offers. 

If a buyer’s offer includes contingencies, the seller can continue to market the property and accept backup offers. 

If a better offer comes along, the seller can potentially negotiate with the original buyer or transition to the backup offer.

For buyers, understanding an Active Contingent listing can help them make informed decisions. 

If a property is under contract with contingencies, a buyer can still express interest and submit a backup offer. 

This way, if the current deal falls through, the buyer’s offer could be the next in line.

Navigating The Active Contingent Process

If you’re a buyer interested in a property listed as Active Contingent, it’s important to work closely with your real estate agent. 

They possess the expertise to navigate you through the intricacies of the process, aiding you in arriving at a well-informed and judicious choice. Here’s a general outline of how the process might unfold:

  1. Express Interest: Let your agent know that you’re interested in the property. They can gather information about the current offer, the contingencies involved, and any potential backup offers.
  2. Submit a Backup Offer: If you’re serious about the property, you can submit a backup offer. This offer will only come into play if the current deal falls through.
  3. Stay Informed: Keep in touch with your agent for updates on the status of the Active Contingent listing. If the contingencies are not met, the property could become available again.

Conclusion

Active Contingent listings add an intriguing layer of complexity to the real estate market. 

They represent opportunities for both buyers and sellers, allowing them to navigate the delicate balance between securing a deal and exploring other possibilities. 

Understanding the nature of Active Contingent listings and their associated contingencies empowers both parties to make informed decisions and potentially benefit from unexpected turns in the property market. 

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, having a firm grasp of Active Contingent listings will undoubtedly enhance your real estate experience.

Amanda Byford

Amanda Byford has bought and sold many houses in the past fifteen years and is actively managing an income property portfolio consisting of multi-family properties. During the buying and selling of these properties, she has gone through several different mortgage loan transactions. This experience and knowledge have helped her develop an avenue to guide consumers to their best available option by comparing lenders through the Compare Closing business.

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