US
Pending
Pending, or under contract, means a US listing has an accepted offer and is moving toward closing. It is the rough equivalent of the British SSTC, but the legal moment that binds the parties is different and depends on the state.
Also called Under contract.
Do not translate it blindly
SSTC means no exchange yet, so either side can usually withdraw. A US contract may already be binding, subject to contingencies such as inspection or financing. Call the status what the local MLS calls it, and do not tell a British vendor their sale is “pending” if your CRM says SSTC.
Back on market
If the contract falls through, the listing goes back to active. Tell people who were waiting. The British word for that collapse before exchange is fall-through.
Questions
What does Pending mean?
Pending, or under contract, means a US listing has an accepted offer and is moving toward closing. It is the rough equivalent of the British SSTC, but the legal moment that binds the parties is different and depends on the state.
General information for agency staff, not legal advice. Rules and local practice change. Check the official source before you rely on a definition in a client letter.