We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver our services. By continuing to visit this site, you agree to our use of cookies.More info
Metro West HOME TeamMetro West HOME Team
Call Us:

781-647-1552

Message Us:

[email protected]

  • Meet Stewart
  • Testimonials
  • Explore Metro West
  • Get In Contact
  • Sell
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Home Value Report
  • Buy
  • Search for Homes
  • Read My Blog
  • Join Real
    • Call Us:

      781-647-1552

    • Message Us:

      [email protected]

    Featured Image

    3 Key Real Estate Contract Terms Defined: Contingent vs. Under Contract vs. Pending

    Think back to the last time you were searching for homes... If you're actively working to find a home, that may have been...

    • Stewart Woodward
    • June 1st, 2021
    • 3 min read

    Think back to the last time you were searching for homes... If you're actively working to find a home, that may have been just a few minutes ago. 

    Chances are you saw terms while searching that you may or may not know the true meaning of. This can be frustrating, especially if you've found a home that you love that has been marked "under contract."

    Similarly, if you're thinking about selling your home, you may be wondering what the different stages of the process are once you've accepted an offer but before you've handed over the keys. 

    This blog post will peel back the curtain on 3 key real estate terms so that you know exactly what you're looking at while buying or selling.

    Under Contract

    A home is considered under contract when the buyer submitted an offer to buy the property and the seller has accepted the offer. This means that both parties have committed themselves to proceed with the transaction, and it will proceed once any contingencies are met or waived by either party.

    If a property is under contract, there is a chance that the deal can fall through due to unforeseen circumstances. In some cases, you may still be able to still make an offer on a property listed as under contract. 

    Contingent

    Once your home is under contract, but some contingencies need to be met, your property is considered contingent. A contingent contract means that some condition hasn't yet been met, and both parties have not agreed to move forward with executing the deal as planned. This could be because of financing, inspection reports coming back unacceptably high, or if the offer depends on the buyer selling their home or the seller buying a new one. Once those problems are addressed, the deal can continue as planned. A contingency is anything that needs to happen before the deal can actually take place.

    If you're selling your home, setting contingencies protects you if something comes up with either buying another property or finding an acceptable offer from someone who wants to buy yours. Setting these conditions makes sure everything goes as planned before entering escrow.

    Pending

    Now that the seller and the buyer have agreed to each other's terms and all contingencies have been met, the home is marked as pending and taken off the market. The deal hasn't closed yet, but being in the pending stage is the finish line of the deal. 

    While there is a chance that a property with the pending status can return to the market due to an inspection, appraisal, or financing issue, the chances are lower at this stage. 

    It doesn't have to be confusing

    If you're thinking about selling your home but are unsure of the process, we can help simplify and answer questions.

    Let's Chat

    We have you covered

    Our goal is to make the process of selling your home as easy as possible. We'd love to show you how.

    Click Here

    Author Photo
    About the author

    Stewart Woodward

    781-647-1552
    I believe real estate is about more than just transactions—it's about helping people find their place in the world while building community. After 40+ years as an entrepreneur, including running a successful commercial photography business based in Waltham for two decades, I've brought my eye for detail and passion for service to the real estate industry. My background in visual arts gives me a unique perspective on showcasing properties, while my experience as a business owner taught me the value of meticulous precision and unwavering client advocacy. With my Metro West Home Team brand, I provide personalized, one-on-one service to every client. My approach combines savvy negotiation skills with local knowledge and a customer-first philosophy. My track record speaks for itself—in recent years, my seller clients' properties have sold for an average of 98.58% of original listing price, typically with offers accepted within 12 days. But what truly matters to me is guiding clients through what can often be an overwhelming process with flexibility, creativity, and personal warmth. Before joining REAL Broker, I managed my own boutique real estate brokerage, Central Square Realty Group, in downtown Waltham for four years. This entrepreneurial experience deepened my understanding of the local market and allowed me to develop a hands-on approach to real estate that continues to benefit my clients today. I'm proud to now be part of REAL Broker, a publicly-traded, technology-powered brokerage operating throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their innovative platform and agent-centric approach perfectly align with my commitment to excellent client service and their motto: "Work Hard, Be Kind." I'm a licensed Real Estate Broker in Massachusetts, a member of both the Massachusetts and National Associations of Realtors, and hold Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certifications. With over 90 clients served and more than $39 million in sales volume over my 12+ years in real estate, I've developed the expertise to handle any situation—but I've never lost sight of the human element that makes this profession so rewarding. Beyond my professional life, I remain deeply connected to my community. I'm active in the Rotary Club, where I served as president and currently serve as treasurer of the Waltham Club. I also participate in the Chambers of Commerce across Waltham, Watertown, and Newton. My civic engagement includes serving as a trustee of historic Gore Place, where I lead the Buildings and Grounds committee and contribute as an active member of the development committee. I'm also proud to serve on the City of Waltham's Affordable Housing committee, working to ensure our community remains accessible for all residents. I believe in giving back to the community that has supported me. Both personally and through my Metro West HOME Team business, I actively support important local non-profits. We've been a Community Partner of Gore Place for many years, helping to preserve this historic landmark through ongoing sponsorship. With my background in the arts, I'm also passionate about supporting local creativity. Each November, my business and I sponsor the Waltham Mills Artist Association's annual open studios event, creating opportunities for visitors to experience art being created firsthand and to connect directly with talented local artists.

    Similar posts like this

    Waltham

    Finding Community in Waltham: Where City Energy Meets Hometown Charm

    Read more
    Watertown

    Preparing Your Home for Market: A Strategic Approach

    Read more
    Newton

    My Delicious Discovery: Burke Hill Farm's Organic Wild Maine Blueberries

    Read more
    Metro West HOME Team

    “Committed to Your Success!”

    Metro West HOME Team - Real

    9 Church Street Waltham MA 02452

    9 Church Street Waltham MA 02452

    Call Us:

    781-647-1552

    Message Us:

    [email protected]

    Footer Links

    • Meet Stewart
    • Testimonials
    • Read My Blog
    • Get In Contact
    • Sell
    • Home Value Report
    • Buy
    • Search for Homes
    Privacy Policy

    Metro West HOME Team - Real © 2025

    Powered by