Zillow is a dominant platform in the residential real estate market, providing millions of users with property data and connecting them with agents. To successfully navigate the housing market, a buyer must understand what a property’s listing status means. Knowing the definition of each label is important for identifying opportunities and avoiding wasted time on properties that are already spoken for. The “Active” status signifies a property’s immediate availability to the public.
The Core Meaning of “Active”
A property marked as “Active” on Zillow means the home is currently available for sale, and the seller is soliciting offers from interested buyers. This status confirms the property has been officially listed, is being marketed, and has not yet entered into a binding contract. Finding an Active listing represents the highest chance of successful negotiation and the submission of a primary offer.
The “Active” designation signals that the seller is prepared to entertain bids and is open to scheduling showings. The property is fully accessible to the general market, and all interested parties can compete to secure the home. Since no contract has been executed, the seller is still considering all available options presented by prospective purchasers.
Key Distinctions from Other Listing Statuses
The meaning of “Active” becomes clearest when contrasted with the other labels a listing might carry. The main practical difference for a buyer lies in the ability to submit a primary, competitive offer.
Active vs. Pending
A listing moves to “Pending” status when a signed purchase contract exists between the buyer and the seller. At this stage, the property is no longer available for general showings, and the seller is no longer accepting new offers. While the transaction is not yet finalized, major contingencies are usually satisfied, and the sale is moving toward closing. For a buyer browsing Zillow, a Pending status means the opportunity to purchase that home has passed.
Active vs. Contingent or Under Contract
The “Contingent” or “Active Under Contract” status indicates the seller has accepted an offer, but the finalization of the sale depends on specific conditions being met. These contingencies often relate to the buyer securing financing, a satisfactory home inspection, or the sale of the buyer’s current home. Although the home is under contract, the seller may still accept backup offers in case the current deal falls through due to an unfulfilled condition. This status is less accessible than a purely “Active” listing where no primary contract exists.
Active vs. Sold or Off Market
A “Sold” listing signifies that the real estate transaction has been completed, the title has transferred, and the property is no longer available to any buyer. “Off Market” is a broader status indicating the property is no longer for sale on the platform, either because the listing agreement expired or the seller chose to withdraw it. Both statuses confirm there is no opportunity for a buyer to submit an offer or express interest.
Buyer Actions When a Listing is Active
Finding an Active listing provides a clear directive for a buyer to move quickly and strategically. The first step is to immediately contact a real estate agent to schedule a showing, as these properties attract significant interest. Buyers should also ensure their mortgage pre-approval letter is current and ready for immediate submission with an offer.
Because a property’s status can change rapidly, buyers should be prepared to submit a formal offer soon after viewing the home. The negotiation period is open during the Active phase, allowing a buyer to present their best terms on price, closing date, and other conditions. Acting with speed and having a complete offer package ready maximizes the chances of securing the property before another offer is accepted.
The Lifecycle: How Listings Transition Status
The status displayed on Zillow is directly tied to the data entered into the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) by the seller’s agent. Zillow receives and syncs this information through data feeds, ensuring the platform reflects the current status available from the source. The transition from “Active” happens when a seller accepts an offer, prompting the agent to update the listing to “Pending” or “Contingent” in the MLS.
A listing can also transition away from “Active” if the contract term expires without a sale, or if the seller decides to remove the property from the market, resulting in an “Off Market” or “Withdrawn” status. A minor delay can sometimes occur between the agent updating the status in the MLS and Zillow reflecting that change. This slight lag means an “Active” listing on Zillow could, in rare instances, have an offer recently accepted in the real-world transaction.