Active vs Contingent vs Pending: How Each Affects VA Loan Buyers
If you’re using a VA loan, understanding the difference between active vs contingent vs pending VA loan listings can save you time, stress, and missed opportunities, especially in competitive markets like Hawaiʻi.
These listing statuses aren’t just labels. They determine whether you should act fast, wait, or move on.
Let’s break each one down and explain exactly how it affects VA loan buyers.
These listing statuses aren’t just labels. They determine whether you should act fast, wait, or move on.
Let’s break each one down and explain exactly how it affects VA loan buyers.
Quick Summary
Active, contingent, and pending are home listing statuses that show how far along a sale is. For VA loan buyers, these statuses directly affect offer strategy, timelines, and approval risk.
TL;DR
- Active = Home is available, best time for VA buyers
- Contingent = Offer accepted, but the deal can fall apart
- Pending = Deal almost closed, VA buyers are usually locked out
- Knowing the difference helps VA buyers avoid wasted offers and move faster
Key Takeaways for VA Buyers
- Active listings offer the best odds for VA loan success
- Contingent listings can still be opportunities
- Pending listings are usually off the table
- Understanding listing status helps VA buyers avoid wasted offers
What Does “Active” Mean in Real Estate?
An active listing means:
- The home is available
- No offer has been accepted yet
- The seller is actively showing the property
How Active Homes Affect VA Loan Buyers
- Best opportunity for VA buyers
- No existing buyer competition yet
- Full ability to negotiate VA-required repairs
- Clean timeline for appraisal and underwriting
VA Buyer Insight:
If a home is active, this is your strongest position—especially if you’re fully pre-approved and ready to move quickly with a VA loan.
What Does “Contingent” Mean?
A home becomes contingent when:
- The seller has accepted an offer
- The deal depends on specific conditions being met
Common Contingencies
- Financing approval
- VA appraisal
- Home inspection
- Buyer selling another home
How Contingent Homes Affect VA Loan Buyers
- Deal can still fall apart
- Seller may accept backup offers
- Timeline is uncertain
VA Buyer Insight:
Many contingent deals fail due to appraisal or financing. VA buyers who understand timing can step in when others fall out.
What Does “Pending” Mean?
A pending listing means:
- All contingencies have been removed
- The sale is moving toward closing
- Escrow and final loan steps are underway
How Pending Homes Affect VA Loan Buyers
- New offers usually not accepted
- Very unlikely deal will fall through
- VA buyers should typically move on
VA Buyer Insight:
Pending usually means the home is effectively off the market. Focus your time on listings where you can still compete.
Active vs Contingent vs Pending: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Status | Can You Make an Offer? | Risk of Falling Through | VA Buyer Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Yes | None yet | Best |
| Contingent | Sometimes | Moderate | Opportunity |
| Pending | Rarely | Very Low | Not Worth It |
Why Listing Status Matters More for VA Loans
VA loans have unique requirements, including:
- VA appraisal standards
- Safety and habitability rules
- No appraisal gap guarantees
Because of this:
- Some sellers hesitate on VA offers
- Some deals fall apart during appraisal
- VA buyers who understand when to act gain a real advantage
Knowing how listing status impacts VA loan timelines can be the difference between winning and missing out.
Smart VA Loan Strategy by Listing Status
If the home is Active:
- Move quickly
- Submit a clean, well-documented VA offer
If the home is Contingent:
- Ask what contingency is in place
- Consider submitting a strong backup offer
If the home is Pending:
- Monitor only if advised by your agent
- Focus on active inventory instead
Get Clear on Your VA Loan — Before You Make a Move
Before making an offer, many buyers choose to get VA loan guidance from someone who works exclusively with VA loans.
If you’re a Veteran or military family trying to figure out which homes are truly worth pursuing—and which listing statuses to avoid, you don’t have to guess.
You can request a free, no-obligation VA home buying review with Eli the VA Loan Guy, focused on helping you:
Understand how active vs contingent vs pending listings affect your VA loan
Know exactly when to submit an offer (and when to wait)
Avoid common VA appraisal, contract, and timing mistakes
Move forward confidently using the benefits you’ve earned
There’s no sales pressure—just clear, Veteran-focused guidance so you can make the smartest VA loan decision for your situation.
Request Your Free VA Loan Review
100% VA-focused • Veteran-owned • No pressure
