Active, Pending, Contingent: MLS Statuses Explained

Ever wondered why a home in Aurora shows as Active one day, Contingent the next, and then Pending? If you are buying or selling in Arapahoe County, these MLS labels can feel like code. You want to know if you can tour, when to make an offer, and whether a backup offer has a real shot. In this guide, you will learn what each status means in plain English, how it affects your next move, and the Colorado timelines that often drive the shift from Active to Pending. Let’s dive in.

MLS statuses at a glance

Active status

An Active listing is on the market and open to offers. Showings and open houses are typically allowed unless the seller sets limits in showing instructions. If you are buying, you can tour and submit an offer right away. If you are selling, you can compare and accept offers while continuing to show the home.

Coming Soon rules

Coming Soon means the home is in the MLS but not fully on the market yet. Showings may be restricted until a stated Active date. As a buyer, set alerts and ask when tours begin. As a seller, Coming Soon can build interest before full exposure.

Active Under Contract

Active Under Contract signals the seller has accepted an offer but still allows showings or backup offers. The primary contract may include contingencies or a kick-out clause. Buyers can submit a written backup offer. Sellers should keep instructions clear about showings and backups in the MLS remarks.

Contingent types

Contingent means the seller accepted an offer that is still subject to one or more buyer contingencies like inspection, financing, or appraisal. Whether showings continue depends on seller instructions and the MLS tag. Buyers under contract must hit each contingency deadline. Sellers should track timelines and note if backup offers are allowed.

Pending status

Pending usually means major contingencies are satisfied and the deal is moving toward closing. Showings often stop and the seller is not seeking new offers. Some pending listings still allow backups, but this varies by the seller’s instructions and the exact MLS label.

Pending - Continue to Show

Pending - Continue to Show or Pending - Accepting Backup Offers means a contract exists and the seller is still allowing showings or backups. If you want the property, confirm whether written backup offers are welcome.

Off-market statuses

Temporarily Off Market, Withdrawn, or Cancelled means the listing is not active. Showings are not allowed, and the seller may relist later. If a home you like goes off market, ask your agent to monitor if and when it returns.

Closed sales

Closed means the transaction is complete. The listing becomes part of historical sales data and is no longer available.

What this means for buyers in Aurora

Touring and showings

• Active or Active Under Contract: Showings are usually allowed. Always read the showing instructions and agent remarks.
• Contingent or Pending: Showings depend on the seller’s guidance. Pending - Continue to Show allows tours, while plain Pending usually does not.
• Coming Soon: Public showings typically do not begin until the Active date.

Submitting offers and backups

• Primary offers: When a home is Active, submit a complete, signed offer with pre-approval and proof of funds.
• Backup offers: If a home is Contingent or Active Under Contract, you can submit a written backup offer. A backup becomes the contract only if the primary deal terminates per its terms or the seller accepts your backup to replace it.
• Make it strong: Keep timelines clear, include your financing documents, and set practical due diligence and closing dates.

Colorado timelines and DDP

Colorado purchase contracts commonly include a Due Diligence Period (DDP). Buyers often pay a due diligence fee for the right to terminate during the DDP and still receive earnest money back per contract terms. Typical DDP windows in metro Denver vary by market conditions, often measured in days, commonly 7 to 21. Your inspection, appraisal, title, and financing deadlines control when a contract can move from Contingent to Pending.

What this means for sellers in Aurora

Why accept backup offers

Backup offers can reduce risk if a primary buyer’s inspection, financing, or appraisal becomes a problem. They keep momentum in a changing market. If the primary falls through, an accepted backup can move into place without returning to Active status.

Showings under contract

If you keep showing while under contract, make the rules clear in MLS remarks. Coordinate access and log showings. Keep communication open with the primary buyer and the title company to stay on track for closing.

Handling backup offers

Accept backup offers in writing, not verbally. If the primary contract terminates under its terms, the backup can become primary if dates and signatures are properly set. Work with your broker to manage timelines and any contract replacements.

Colorado contracts and deadlines

Due Diligence Period essentials

The DDP is a defined period for inspections and investigations. During the DDP, buyers may terminate under the contract and, per terms, keep earnest money while the due diligence fee is typically non-refundable. Align your DDP lengths with market norms in South Metro Denver and ensure you can meet the tasks within that window.

Earnest money and title

While a deal is Contingent or Pending, earnest money is held as the contract specifies. Once contingencies are removed, earnest money may be at risk if the buyer breaches. Title and closing follow Arapahoe County recording procedures, which your title company will guide.

MLS governance and labels

Status labels and rules can vary. REcolorado governs status usage and reporting across the Denver metro area. Always check the listing’s MLS details and agent remarks for the exact showing and backup rules. Avoid assumptions about what a status always means.

Quick checklists

If you’re a buyer seeing Contingent or Active Under Contract

• Read MLS remarks for showing and backup instructions.
• Ask which contingencies remain and the status of each.
• Consider a written backup offer with clear timelines and financing proof.
• If you are the primary buyer, meet inspection and loan deadlines quickly.

If you’re a seller considering continued showings

• Confirm your strategy and MLS compliance with your broker.
• Require backup offers in writing and clarify how they will be handled.
• Keep open communication with the primary buyer and title to reduce closing risk.

Buying or selling in Aurora is easier when you understand how MLS statuses guide showings, offers, and timing. The label is a headline, but the contract and MLS remarks tell the full story. If you want calm, local guidance from offer to close, our boutique team is here to help.

Ready to move forward with confidence in Aurora and the South Metro Denver suburbs? Connect with Pinette Realty Group, LLC to map your strategy and Start Your Home Journey.

FAQs

Can I tour a home in Aurora that is Pending?

• Sometimes. Pending - Continue to Show allows tours, while plain Pending usually does not. Check the MLS remarks or ask your agent to confirm.

What is a backup offer on an Aurora home?

• It is a written offer accepted by the seller that becomes primary only if the current contract ends per its terms or the seller accepts your backup to replace the primary.

What does Contingent on inspection or financing mean in Colorado?

• The buyer must resolve those items within contractual deadlines. If they cannot, they may terminate under the contract terms, often within the Due Diligence Period.

How long do Contingent and Pending statuses last in Arapahoe County?

• It depends on the contract. Contingent periods often run through inspection and financing windows that can be days to weeks, while Pending typically covers the period from contingency removal to closing.

Who sets showing rules when a home is under contract in Aurora?

• The seller, through the listing agent, sets showing instructions that appear in the MLS. Agents and buyers must follow those rules and any MLS policies.