What Does Active-Contingent Mean?

Along the same vein as a contingent offer, we often get the question about the meaning of “active contingent” in real estate.

Active contingent is one of a variety of status updates given to a home listing. If a property has an active contingent label, it means the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer. But the home sale has certain contingencies that need to be met, and the seller is taking backup offers in case the first deal does not go through.

Similar to contingencies being protection for the buyer, having the listing be active contingent offers protections for the seller.

Having a home be active contingent can influence a buyer to release contingencies prematurely, or when they shouldn’t be, just so the “other guy” doesn’t get the house. This would be a mistake!

Buying and selling real estate can be a very emotional time. Relying on your agent to guide you through the process is the best way to end in a result that you will be happy with!