What Is an Expired Listing in Real Estate?

An expired listing in real estate refers to a property that was listed for sale on the MLS but did not sell before the listing agreement’s expiration date. Once expired, the property is no longer actively marketed, and the seller regains the option to relist or change agents.

📅 What “Expired” Status Means

When a listing reaches its expiration date, the listing agreement between the seller and the broker has ended. This means:

  • The property is no longer shown as “active” on the MLS.
  • The agent no longer has the right to market or advertise it.
  • The seller can either renew the contract, hire a new agent, or list FSBO directly.

🔁 How “Expired” Differs from Other MLS Statuses

MLS systems use several terms to indicate a listing’s status:

  • Pending: The seller has accepted an offer, but the transaction hasn’t closed yet.
  • Withdrawn: The listing was temporarily removed but can be reactivated.
  • Cancelled: The seller or agent terminated the agreement early.
  • Expired: The listing term ended without a sale.

See more about these updates in our MLS status changes guide.

💡 What Sellers Can Do After an Expired Listing

  • Re-evaluate pricing and presentation before relisting.
  • Update your photos and description for better visibility.
  • Consider listing FSBO through Brokerless to avoid a new long-term contract.

A flat fee MLS option gives sellers full exposure on Realtor.com and Zillow—without paying a 6% commission.

Ready to Relist Smarter?

Don’t let your listing expire again — get maximum MLS exposure for one flat fee with Brokerless.

View Flat Fee MLS Packages