When a home is listed as "under contract," it means the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer and both parties have signed a purchase agreement. The home is no longer available for new offers, but the sale has not officially closed yet. There is still a period of time between that accepted offer and the moment the deed transfers, and a lot can happen in between.

So can I still buy it?

Technically, the home remains on the market in a limited sense. Some sellers will accept backup offers during the contract period, meaning if the current deal falls through, you could be next in line. Whether that option exists depends on the seller and their agent. If you find a home you love that just went under contract, it is worth asking your agent to reach out. It happens more often than buyers expect.

What happens after a home goes under contract?

Once both signatures are in place, the transaction moves into what is often called the contingency period. During this window, several things typically happen at once.

The buyer orders a home inspection. If the inspector uncovers issues, the buyer can request repairs, a price reduction, or in some cases walk away entirely depending on what the contract allows. The buyer's lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's value supports the loan amount. Title work gets underway to make sure the property can transfer cleanly. The buyer finalizes their financing and prepares for closing.

Each of these steps has its own timeline and its own potential for delay or complications. Most contracts in Northern Virginia run anywhere from 21 to 45 days, though cash deals can move faster.

What can cause a home to fall out of contract?

It happens more than most people realize. Common reasons include a home inspection that reveals significant problems the buyer and seller cannot agree to resolve, a low appraisal that creates a gap between the loan amount and the agreed price, a buyer's financing falling through, or a contingency the buyer cannot satisfy in time.

When a deal falls through, the home typically goes back to active status on the MLS. If you had your eye on it, that is your window.

What is the difference between "under contract" and "pending"?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction in how they appear on the MLS. "Under contract" usually means contingencies are still active. "Pending" typically indicates those contingencies have been removed or satisfied and the sale is on a clear path to closing. A pending listing is closer to done than an under-contract one.

What should I do if a home I want just went under contract?

Keep moving. Homes fall out of contract regularly, but waiting on one deal to collapse is not a strategy. The smarter move is to stay active, keep touring, and make sure you are pre-approved and ready to act quickly when the right home comes available. In competitive markets like Northern Virginia, preparation is the only real edge buyers have.

If you have questions about timing your search or how to position an offer in a multiple-offer situation, the team at The Redux Group works with buyers across Northern Virginia every day. Reach out at thereduxgroup.com.

FAQ

Can a seller accept another offer while under contract?
Not without violating the existing agreement. A seller can collect backup offers, but they cannot accept a new primary offer unless the current contract is terminated.

Does "under contract" mean the home will definitely sell?
No. The deal still has to survive inspections, appraisal, and financing. A meaningful percentage of contracts do not make it to closing.

How long does the under-contract period typically last in Northern Virginia?
Most transactions close within 21 to 45 days of the contract date, depending on the terms negotiated and how quickly each step gets completed.