When searching for homes on Zillow, you may come across listings marked as “Pending.” This status means the seller has accepted an offer, but the sale has not yet been finalized. Many home buyers and sellers wonder: How long does a house stay pending on Zillow?
The answer varies based on several factors, including financing, inspections, contingencies, and market conditions. In this guide, we’ll break down what the pending status means, how long it typically lasts, and what can cause delays or cancellations.
We’ll also introduce valuable real estate resources like Red Door Metro and Zillow Profile: gmrad to help you navigate the home-buying or selling process.
What Does “Pending” Mean on Zillow?
When a home is marked as “Pending” on Zillow, it means the seller has accepted an offer, and the transaction is moving forward. However, the deal is not yet closed, and there are still steps before the ownership officially transfers to the buyer.
A pending home is no longer active on the market, meaning new buyers cannot submit offers unless the deal falls through.
Pending vs. Contingent
- Contingent: The seller has accepted an offer, but there are contingencies that must be met before the sale proceeds (e.g., inspection, financing, appraisal).
- Pending: All major contingencies have been cleared, and the sale is awaiting final closing steps.
How Long Does a House Stay Pending on Zillow?
Typical Pending Period
On average, a house stays pending for 30 to 60 days before closing. However, this timeframe can vary based on several factors, including:
- Cash vs. Financed Offers:
- Cash sales may close in 1–2 weeks.
- Mortgaged sales typically take 30–45 days due to lender approval processes.
- Market Conditions:
- In a seller’s market (high demand, low inventory), pending homes may close faster.
- In a buyer’s market (more homes available, fewer buyers), delays are more common.
- Inspection and Appraisal Delays:
- If repairs or renegotiations are needed after an inspection, the closing can take longer.
- A low appraisal could require additional lender approval, causing delays.
- Title and Legal Issues:
- If title searches reveal problems (e.g., liens, ownership disputes), resolving them can extend the pending period.
Factors That Can Delay the Pending Status
1. Financing Issues
- If the buyer’s mortgage loan is delayed or denied, the pending status may last longer or even fall through.
- Pre-approved buyers typically experience fewer financing-related delays.
2. Home Inspection and Negotiations
- If an inspection uncovers major issues, the buyer may request repairs or a price reduction.
- These negotiations can add 1–2 weeks to the pending status.
3. Appraisal Problems
- If an appraisal comes in lower than the agreed price, the buyer and seller must renegotiate or find alternative financing.
4. Title Issues
- If there are unresolved property liens or legal disputes, clearing them can delay the closing.
5. Buyer or Seller Backing Out
- While rare, cold feet or legal issues can cause a pending sale to fall through entirely.
Can a House Go Back on the Market After Being Pending?
Yes, a house can return to active status if the pending deal falls through. This can happen due to:
- Financing issues
- Failed home inspection negotiations
- Low appraisal
- Buyer backing out
If a pending home reappears on Zillow, it may indicate an opportunity for other buyers to submit an offer.
How to Speed Up the Pending Process
For buyers:
✔ Get pre-approved for a mortgage before making an offer.
✔ Work with an experienced real estate agent to navigate the process.
✔ Be proactive about inspections, paperwork, and loan processing.
For sellers:
✔ Address any known home issues before listing.
✔ Choose a qualified buyer with strong financing.
✔ Work with an expert real estate team, like Red Door Metro, to streamline the sale.
Examples of Pending Homes & Timeline Variations
Example 1: Quick Pending to Close (Cash Buyer – 10 Days)
- A home in Arlington, VA, listed on Red Door Metro, receives an all-cash offer.
- The buyer waives inspection and title search clears fast.
- The home moves from pending to closed in just 10 days.
Example 2: Standard 45-Day Pending Period
- A home in Fairfax, VA, listed on Zillow Profile: gmrad, goes pending with a buyer using a mortgage.
- It takes 30 days for loan approval and 15 days for final closing steps.
- The home closes after 45 days in pending status.
Example 3: Delayed Pending Due to Inspection Issues (60+ Days)
- A home in Alexandria, VA, goes pending.
- The buyer’s inspection reveals roof damage, leading to repair negotiations.
- This extends the pending period by 3 extra weeks.
- The home finally closes after 65 days in pending status.
Final Thoughts
How Long Should You Expect a House to Stay Pending?
Most homes stay pending for 30–60 days, but this varies based on:
✅ Financing Type (Cash = Faster, Mortgage = Slower)
✅ Market Conditions (Seller’s Market = Faster)
✅ Inspection & Appraisal Results (Issues = Delays)
Helpful Resources for Buyers & Sellers
- Red Door Metro – Expert real estate agents to help with buying or selling.
- George M. Mrad – Find and track homes in your area.
FAQs
1. What does “pending” mean on Zillow?
“Pending” means the seller has accepted an offer, and the home is in the final closing stages. However, the sale is not yet complete, and issues like financing or inspections could still impact the deal.
2. Can I still make an offer on a pending home?
Technically, no. However, if the current deal falls through, the home may go back on the market. You can ask your agent to monitor the status and submit a backup offer.
3. What does “contingent” mean on Zillow?
A “contingent” status means the seller accepted an offer, but certain conditions (like financing or inspections) must be met before the sale moves to pending.
4. How accurate are Zillow’s Zestimates?
Zestimates are estimates, not official appraisals. They use public records, recent sales, and market data, but accuracy varies. For a precise home value, consult a real estate agent like Red Door Metro.
5. How can I sell my home on Zillow?
You can sell your home by:
- Listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
- Hiring an agent and listing through Zillow Premier Agent
- Using Zillow Offers (in select markets)
6. Is Zillow free to use?
Yes! Browsing listings and using tools like Zestimates and mortgage calculators is free. However, Zillow makes money through advertising, agent referrals, and rental listings.
7. Can I rent a house through Zillow?
Yes. Zillow lists rental properties, and some landlords allow online applications and payments directly through the platform.
8. How do I contact a real estate agent on Zillow?
Each home listing includes options to contact the listing agent or a Zillow Premier Agent for assistance. You can also visit Zillow Profile: gmrad to connect with experienced agents.
9. Why do some homes disappear from Zillow?
Homes may disappear because they:
- Were sold or taken off the market
- Had listing agreements expire
- Were marked as “Coming Soon” and removed by the agent
10. How do I list a house for rent on Zillow?
Landlords can create a Zillow Rental Manager account, set up a listing, and screen tenants online.
11. Why do home prices on Zillow change?
Zillow updates prices based on market trends, recent sales, and listing adjustments. Sellers may also manually change their listing price.
12. Can I remove my home from Zillow?
If your home is listed by an agent, they must remove it. If it’s FSBO, you can delete your listing in your Zillow account settings.
13. What does “Zillow Make Me Move” mean?
This feature allows homeowners to set a price they’d accept for an offer, even if they’re not actively selling.
14. How do I check home values on Zillow?
You can enter an address in the Zillow search bar to view its Zestimate and market data.
15. Does Zillow offer home financing?
Yes, Zillow has a mortgage marketplace where you can compare rates, pre-qualify, and apply for loans through lenders.
16. What’s the difference between Zillow and Redfin?
- Zillow focuses on home listings, values, and agent connections.
- Redfin is a brokerage that offers discount commissions on home sales.
17. Can I search for foreclosure homes on Zillow?
Yes. Zillow has a foreclosure section where you can find pre-foreclosures, auctions, and bank-owned properties.
18. How does Zillow make money?
Zillow earns revenue through:
✔ Advertising for real estate agents
✔ Zillow Premier Agent program
✔ Rental listing services
✔ Mortgage referrals
19. Can I schedule a virtual tour on Zillow?
Yes! Many agents offer 3D home tours and live video showings through Zillow.
20. Is Zillow better than a real estate agent?
Zillow is a tool, not a replacement for an agent. While it provides valuable data, an experienced agent (like those at Red Door Metro) can offer personalized advice, negotiation skills, and market expertise.