Contingency Contracts
Why That “Active” Home May Already Be Under Contract: Understanding Contingency Contracts in Tennessee Real Estate
In today’s fast-moving real estate market—especially in Nashville and across Middle Tennessee—it’s common for homebuyers to get excited about a listing they’ve found online, only to find out later that the home is already under contract.
This frustrating experience usually comes down to a common misunderstanding: contingency contracts and how listings are displayed on third-party websites.
What Is a Contingency Contract in Real Estate?
A contingency contract means that a seller has accepted a buyer’s offer, but certain conditions must be met before the sale becomes final. These conditions—or contingencies—might include:
- Home inspection approval
- Financing or loan approval
- The buyer’s need to sell their current home first
- Spousal Approval(one has seen the home without the other)
Until these contingencies are resolved, many listing agents will leave the property marked as "Active" in the MLS or on public websites. This helps protect the seller’s position in case the contract falls through and allows the property to remain open for backup offers.
Why Do Some Websites Still Show “Active” Listings?
Many third-party real estate websites (like Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.) do not display the most up-to-date contract status. A home under a contingency contract may still appear as available because the listing hasn’t officially been marked "Pending" in the MLS system.
That’s why working with a local real estate professional who has direct access to the MLS is so important—you’ll get real-time status updates that aren’t available on public platforms.
The Value of Having a Buyer’s Agent
If you're actively searching for a home in the Middle Tennessee area, having a dedicated Buyer’s Agent is one of the smartest moves you can make. A Buyer’s Agent:
- Has immediate access to MLS updates, including status changes
- Knows when homes are truly available versus under contract
- Can set up alerts tailored to your criteria
- Works solely in your best interest throughout the transaction
Unlike public websites, the MLS used by licensed agents offers a more accurate picture of what’s really on the market.
Don’t Miss Out—Work with a Trusted Local Expert
Navigating real estate in a fast-paced market takes experience and insight. Whether you're buying your first home or relocating to Middle Tennessee, I’m here to help you find the right property—and avoid wasted time chasing listings that are already tied up.
For personalized guidance, contact Kim Blanton at 615-969-1460
SELLING LIFESTYLES, NOT JUST HOMES
Posted by Kim Blanton on
2 Responses to Why Homes Are Showing Available When Already Under Contract
Thanks for clearing this up! I’ve always been confused seeing listings still marked available when they’re already under contract.
Posted by Chavi Bansal on Saturday, July 26th, 2025 at 12:12amThank you very much for this great post.
Posted by georgia real estate on Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 2:47amLeave A Comment