In the world of real estate, listings can move quickly, and understanding listing statuses like “contingent” and “pending” is crucial for buyers navigating the market. These terms may seem interchangeable at first glance, but they signal very different stages in a real estate transaction. If you’re looking to buy a home in Canada, here’s what you need to know about these common real estate statuses.

What Does Contingent Mean in Real Estate?

A house listed as contingent means the seller has accepted an offer, but certain conditions (or contingencies) must be met before the sale can close. These contingencies typically relate to financing, home inspection, or the buyer needing to sell their existing property.

In short: the deal isn’t final. The home is still technically on the market and could fall through if the conditions aren’t met. Some contingent homes still accept backup offers, depending on the type of contingency involved.

What Does Pending Mean?

A house with a pending status means that all contingencies have been satisfied, waived, or removed. At this stage, the sale is expected to close. The seller is usually no longer showing the property, and new offers typically aren’t accepted.

In essence, “pending” means the transaction is in its final stages before the home officially changes hands.

Common Types of Contingent Statuses in Canada

Contingent – Continue to Show: The seller has accepted an offer, but contingencies remain. The home is still shown to potential buyers in case the initial offer falls through.
Contingent – No Show: An offer has been accepted and the seller is confident in the buyer fulfilling their conditions. The property is no longer being shown to others.
Contingent – With Kick-Out Clause: The seller can continue to accept other offers and “kick out” the current buyer if they can’t meet contingencies by a specific deadline.
Contingent – Probate or Short Sale: A more complex contingency due to legal or financial issues. For example, a short sale needs lender approval to proceed.

Common Types of Pending Statuses

Pending – Taking Backups: The seller is still accepting backup offers, just in case something falls through.
Pending – Short Sale: A short sale has received lender approval and is now awaiting closing.
Pending – Over 4 Months: The sale is taking longer than usual to close, possibly due to financing or legal delays.

Can You Make an Offer on a Contingent or Pending Home?

Contingent Homes: Often, yes. Especially if the status is “Continue to Show” or if there’s a kick-out clause. However, these offers are considered backups.
Pending Homes: Usually no. Once a home is pending, the seller typically won’t accept further offers unless the deal falls through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pending sale more secure than a contingent one?
Yes. A pending sale has cleared all its conditions and is nearing closing. A contingent sale is still subject to change.

Can I still view a house that’s contingent?
Sometimes. If it’s listed as “contingent – continue to show,” you can view and even submit a backup offer.

Do all offers come with contingencies?
Not always, but many do. Financing and inspection clauses are very common in Canada.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between contingent and pending listings helps buyers be more strategic in a competitive market. If you’re interested in a home marked as contingent, it may still be worth pursuing. But if it’s pending, chances are that opportunity has passed.

Always ask your real estate agent to clarify the status and whether it’s worth placing a backup offer. Timing and information can make all the difference.

📋 Unsure What ‘Contingent’ or ‘Pending’ Means for Your Offer?

Real estate terms can be confusing, but your next step doesn’t have to be. Speak with a mortgage expert who can help you navigate listings, offers, and financing—all with clarity and confidence.

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