What Is Active in Real Estate?

An active listing in real estate means the property is currently for sale and available for showings. It hasn’t gone under contract, and buyers can still make offers through the seller or listing agent.

🔍 How “Active” Status Works

When a property is marked Active on the MLS, it means it’s officially live for buyer activity. The seller is actively accepting showings and offers. Even if multiple offers exist, the status remains active until one is formally accepted and the deal becomes Pending or Contingent.

  • 📅 Property is publicly listed and visible on Realtor.com, Zillow, and MLS feeds.
  • 💬 The seller can review and negotiate multiple offers simultaneously.
  • 🚫 No binding contract has been accepted yet.

💡 Tips for FSBO Sellers with Active Listings

  • Make sure your photos and description are polished — first impressions matter.
  • Respond to buyer inquiries quickly to stay competitive.
  • Update your MLS status immediately once an offer is accepted to avoid confusion.
  • Track your listing’s visibility using Realtor.com or Zillow analytics.

📊 Active vs Other MLS Statuses

Understanding how “Active” compares to other MLS statuses helps sellers know when and how to update their listing correctly. Below are quick definitions and internal links to related status pages:

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