Have you ever been scrolling through real estate listings and suddenly stumbled upon the term “active contingent” and instantly felt confused? That was me the first time I saw it. I remember thinking, Is the house available… or not? Should I call the agent or keep scrolling? It felt like real estate had its own secret language.
So if you’ve seen this term and wondered what it actually means, you’re not alone.
Quick Answer: Active contingent means a seller has accepted an offer, but the deal depends on certain conditions being met. The home is still technically active on the market, but it’s not fully available unless the current deal falls through.
What Does Active Contingent Mean in Text?
When you see “active contingent” on a home listing, it simply means:
A buyer made an offer → The seller accepted it → But the contract is NOT final yet because the buyer must meet certain conditions before the sale is locked in.
These conditions might include:
• inspection
• financing approval
• appraisal
• selling their current home
Example:
“The house at 52 Maple St. is active contingent — the buyers are waiting for the inspection report.”
In short: Active Contingent = Offer accepted + conditions pending = Sale is not final yet.
Where Is Active Contingent Commonly Used?
You’ll mostly see active contingent in real estate environments, including:
• 🏡 Property listing websites
• 📱 Real estate apps
• 📝 MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
• 💬 Agent-to-client texts
• 🧑💼 Buyer–seller communication
• 🏘️ Housing market discussions
It’s a formal and professional term — not a slang used in everyday texting.
Examples of Active Contingent in Conversation
A: is that house still available?
B: it’s active contingent rn, but might open if the deal falls through
A: should we book a showing?
B: you can, but it’s active contingent so chances are low
A: why does it say “active contingent”?
B: offer accepted but they’re waiting for inspections
A: can we still place a backup offer?
B: yup, even if it’s active contingent
A: is active contingent the same as pending?
B: nope, pending means fewer conditions left
When to Use and When Not to Use Active Contingent
When to Use
✅ When discussing home listings
✅ When giving updates to buyers or sellers
✅ When referring to a deal still needing inspections or financing
✅ When explaining real estate status terms
When Not to Use
❌ Not for casual chatting
❌ Not for texting unrelated topics
❌ Not when the sale is already finalized
❌ Not when you mean “pending” or “sold”
Context Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “that house is active contingent but still on the site 🏡” | Clear and simple |
| Work Chat (Real Estate) | “Listing remains active contingent until financing approval comes in.” | Professional & accurate |
| “The property is currently active contingent pending inspection results.” | Formal and precise |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Term | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | Offer accepted, most conditions cleared | Near-final deal updates |
| Under Contract | Seller accepted an offer, contract active | General transaction status |
| Contingent | Sale depends on conditions | Early-stage deal |
| Backup Offer | Secondary offer in case first falls through | Competitive markets |
| Offer Accepted | Seller approved buyer’s price/terms | Initial deal confirmation |
FAQs About Active Contingent
Is an active contingent home still available?
Yes, but only if the current buyer fails to meet their contingencies.
Can I make an offer on an active contingent listing?
Yes. Backup offers are common.
Is active contingent better or worse than pending?
It’s earlier in the process — pending means fewer steps left.
How long does the active contingent period last?
Anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on inspections, financing, and appraisals.
Can a seller accept another offer?
Only if the first deal collapses or if backup offers are allowed in the contract.
