The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) uses standardized property statuses to communicate a home’s transactional state to real estate professionals and the public. These statuses clarify whether a property is available, under contract, or temporarily unavailable. “Active No Offer” (ANO), or a similar local variation, signals a specific and temporary intent from the seller regarding the property’s availability for transaction. This status is designed to bring clarity to the sales process.
Defining Active No Offer Status
“Active No Offer” (ANO) is a listing status indicating that a property remains on the market, but the seller has halted the acceptance of any new purchase proposals. The listing agreement remains valid, and the property is officially considered “Active” in the MLS system. This means the number of days the property has been on the market (DOM) typically continues to accumulate while in this status. ANO is defined by the homeowner’s instruction to the listing agent to stop presenting or considering additional offers. This status is not automatically applied but requires the seller’s written direction.
Key Reasons Sellers Choose This Status
Sellers often use the ANO status for short-term logistical reasons, pausing the sales process without fully delisting the home. A common scenario is when the seller has verbally agreed to an offer and is waiting for the signed contract and earnest money deposit to be finalized. Moving to ANO status allows the seller to proceed with the anticipated contract without the pressure of reviewing competing proposals while paperwork is in transit.
Sellers may also use ANO when they need a brief respite from showing the property. This could be due to personal circumstances, such as a family event or a short vacation, making hosting showings unfeasible. Sellers may also use this time to review a large influx of multiple offers already received, allowing them to deliberate without entertaining new ones.
Finally, the seller might choose ANO to conduct minor repairs, staging adjustments, or touch-ups before the property returns to full market activity. The goal is to minimize disruption while maximizing the property’s presentation or securing the current anticipated sale. Once the reason for the pause is resolved, the status reverts to standard “Active” or updates to reflect a signed contract.
Buyer and Agent Limitations Under Active No Offer
The ANO status creates a temporary barrier to a transaction for interested buyers and their agents. An agent representing a buyer should communicate that submitting a formal offer during this period is unproductive, as the seller has instructed their agent not to present or consider it. While an offer can technically be written, it will likely be rejected or held unpresented until the status changes.
In most cases, the seller pauses showings while the property is in ANO status to avoid disruption and manage expectations. Even though the property is visible on the MLS, a buyer’s agent will typically be unable to schedule a tour. Furthermore, some MLS rules may restrict the listing agent’s ability to conduct continued public marketing, such as open houses or new advertising campaigns, while the property is in this status.
Buyers interested in the property should maintain contact with their agent to monitor the status change. This allows them to be ready to act immediately if the home reverts to standard “Active.”
How Active No Offer Differs from Other MLS Statuses
Pending
The “Pending” status signifies that a contract has been fully executed by both the buyer and seller, and all contingencies have been met or waived. The sale is progressing toward closing, and the seller is no longer soliciting offers or allowing showings. ANO, in contrast, does not mean a contract is executed; it means the seller has temporarily stopped accepting new offers, and the listing could easily return to the open market.
Contingent
A property marked “Contingent” has an accepted offer, but the sale is conditioned upon specific requirements, such as a satisfactory home inspection or the buyer securing financing. Sellers often continue to allow showings and solicit backup offers in case the current contract fails. ANO, however, is not conditioned on a contract; it is based solely on the seller’s temporary decision to stop receiving new proposals.
Active with Contract
The “Active with Contract” status, sometimes called “Active Under Contract,” indicates that an offer has been accepted, but the seller is actively encouraging backup offers. This is the opposite of ANO, where the seller is not accepting any offers, primary or backup. Active with Contract maintains high visibility and accessibility for showings, while ANO limits both.
Temporarily Off Market
The “Temporarily Off Market” (TOM) status means the listing agreement remains in effect, but the property is entirely removed from public view and is not being marketed. A difference from ANO is that TOM status often pauses the “Days on Market” clock, whereas ANO usually allows the clock to continue running. TOM is a more complete temporary withdrawal from the sales process.
Withdrawn
“Withdrawn” is a status indicating that the listing agreement between the broker and the seller has been suspended, but not terminated. Unlike the temporary nature of ANO, a Withdrawn property is taken completely off the market and is not being actively sold. The seller typically uses this status when they decide they no longer wish to sell the home during the term of the current listing agreement.
Duration and Next Steps for the Property
The “Active No Offer” status is designed to be a short-term designation, often lasting just a few days, to manage a brief transition period. Many local MLS rules place a maximum time limit on how long a property can remain in this state before the listing agent must select a different status. This temporary nature prevents the status from being abused to keep properties visible without being available for sale.
Once the reason for using ANO is resolved, the listing transitions to one of three statuses. If the expected verbal offer is formalized, the property changes to “Pending,” signifying a binding contract. If the deal falls through, or the pause is over, the status reverts to standard “Active,” reopening the property to showings and new offers. Buyers and agents tracking a property in ANO should anticipate a change within a week, as the status is not meant for long-term use.