What Does “Pending” Mean on Zillow?

What Does “Pending” Mean on Zillow?

(And Why You Shouldn’t Trust It Blindly)

Let me set the scene—you’re on your phone at 11:45 PM, deep into the Zillow rabbit hole, when boom… you spot the one. That charming little bungalow in South Tampa with the palm trees and fresh paint. You’re already naming your dog after the street it’s on.

But right next to that dream? One word: Pending.

Now your heart sinks, your popcorn tastes like regret, and you’re wondering, “Does that mean it’s gone forever? Should I move on? Or is there still hope?”

Let me tell you something straight from someone who’s done this for over 20 years, owns 40+ properties, and has been through every kind of real estate twist and turn: Zillow can be helpful, but it’s not always accurate. Not even close. Let’s dive in.

What “Pending” Really Means in Real Estate

When a listing says “pending”, it means the seller has accepted an offer, and both sides are moving forward with the transaction. But here’s the key—the deal hasn’t closed yet. There are still hurdles like inspections, appraisals, title work, and financing.

Think of it like being “engaged.” The couple picked a date, they’re sending out invites, but until the rings are on and the cake is cut, it’s not official.

Why You Can’t Trust Everything You See on Zillow

Look—I respect Zillow for what it is. It’s like a digital window shopping mall. But just like the display at IKEA, things aren’t always what they seem.

Here are a few issues I’ve seen firsthand:

• Square footage is wrong. I’ve walked into “1,200 sq ft” houses that were clearly over 1,500. Garage conversions, unpermitted additions, finished attics—they get left out or miscounted.

• Rooms go missing. Zillow will say it’s a 2-bedroom when there’s a third room that could easily be used as a bedroom or office. Happens all the time.

• Cash offers don’t close. Zillow loves showing “cash offer” banners, but what they don’t tell you is how many of those deals fall apart before they even get to inspection.

• Statuses lag. I’ve seen properties marked as “active” weeks after closing—and others still marked “pending” long after they’re back on the market.

Real estate is real life—and no website updates in real time like an agent who actually lives and works in the market.

The MLS vs. Zillow: What’s the Difference?

Let’s talk about the MLS—that’s the Multiple Listing Service. It’s the source of truth where licensed agents list homes, and it feeds into Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and all the other platforms.

But by the time a change happens in the MLS, there’s often a delay before it shows up on Zillow. And if a deal falls through? It might not show up again right away—especially if the agent doesn’t update the status quickly.

And here’s something else: not all MLSs are created equal. Different counties have different systems, and sometimes agents manually upload info that can be missing key details.

MLS Statuses Explained Like You’re 10

Let’s break down what each status actually means so you don’t go guessing:

1. Active

Still on the market. The seller is open to offers. If you like it, make a move!

2. Contingent

The seller accepted an offer, but there are some “if’s” to deal with—like financing, inspections, or the buyer selling their current house.

3. Pending

All contingencies are cleared, and now both sides are waiting on closing. Think of it as the final lap before the finish line.

4. Under Contract

General term that means the home has an accepted offer, but specifics depend on the local MLS. Some systems use this instead of “pending.”

5. Temporarily Off Market

This means the seller hit pause. Maybe they’re fixing a roof or just tired of showings.

6. Back on Market

A deal fell through, and now the property’s available again. These are GOLD. Jump on them.

Why Pending Doesn’t Always Mean Sold

Here’s where it gets interesting. You’d think “pending” means the deal is practically done. But that’s just not how it works.

I’ve seen more deals fall apart during the pending stage than you’d believe. And when that happens, it’s game on again.

Common reasons deals fall apart:

• Low appraisals (lenders won’t fund more than the home’s appraised value)

• Financing fails (buyer’s loan gets denied at the last minute)

• Inspection nightmares (roof leaks, mold, foundation issues)

• Title problems (liens, unpaid taxes, messy divorces)

• Cold feet (yes, even in real estate people ghost)

Pending is just a phase—not a guarantee.

Can You Still Make an Offer on a Pending Home?

Technically, no. But here’s the trick:

Backup offers exist.

If the seller is open to it, you can submit a backup offer that kicks in if the current deal dies.

Why would a seller take a backup offer?

• They know deals fall apart

• It saves time if things go south

• They can negotiate stronger terms if they feel protected

As a buyer, you’ve got nothing to lose by submitting one. I’ve had clients snag deals this way that they never thought they’d get.

What Sellers Need to Know About Pending Status

If you’re a seller, here’s some real talk:

Just because you’re under contract doesn’t mean you’re done. Your agent should:

• Vet buyers before accepting offers

• Confirm pre-approvals (not just “I talked to a lender”)

• Get ahead of inspection issues with a pre-listing inspection

• Accept backup offers when appropriate

Trust me—you don’t want to go back on the market after 30 days under contract. It makes your listing look stale and weakens your negotiating power.

From the Owner of 40+ Homes: Here’s What I’ve Learned

I’ve bought homes that were “pending” on Zillow—but in reality, the deal had already fallen apart, and the seller was just waiting for the system to update.

I’ve seen agents forget to update statuses and lose solid backup buyers.

I’ve had clients avoid bidding on a home because they thought it was sold, only to realize it was available a week later.

That’s why relying only on Zillow will cost you opportunities.

If you’re serious about buying or selling, you need a team that’s on the ground, in the MLS, and knows the real deal. Not just the one Zillow gives you.

Final Thoughts: Zillow Is a Tool, Not a Bible

I’m not here to bash Zillow. It’s helpful. It’s user-friendly. It’s how most people start their search. I use it too—when I’m casually browsing or checking comps.

But just like a calculator doesn’t make you a math genius, Zillow doesn’t make you a real estate expert.

Use it as a starting point. Then verify everything with a professional who knows your market.

Because buying or selling a house isn’t just a swipe-right moment. It’s a legal contract with a lot of moving parts. And what shows as “pending” today could be back on the market tomorrow.

Ready to Make Moves?

If you’ve got questions about a property listed as pending, don’t assume it’s out of reach. Let’s talk.

I’ll give you the real status, straight from the MLS—not just what Zillow says.

Keep it consistent, stay patient, stay true—if I did it, so can you! Ready to connect and strategize? Contact me at http://graystoneig.com/ceo – Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone Investment Group & its subsidiary companies and Coach at Property Profit Academy.

Contact our Team of Experts!

Meet Cody Bergstrom, Your Expert in Finding Deals

Meet Lisa Kaye Price, the LendingGig Top ML

Jay Michalec – COO & Property Management Expert at Graystone.

Our Top Articles 

Property Profit Academy:
✔ Learn to buy properties with little to no money down.
✔ Build a $10M portfolio step by step.
✔ Master strategies like BRRRR and house hacking.