Definition and context

Active Under Contract (AUC) is a real estate status used when a purchase agreement has been signed, but the property is still listed as active.

The transaction isn’t final yet, and sellers can accept backup offers while certain conditions (like inspection or financing) are still pending.

Key distinction from under contract

The status Active Under Contract means a purchase agreement has been signed, but some contingencies (like financing or inspection) are still pending.

The property remains active in listings, and the seller can accept backup offers.

On the other hand, Under Contract indicates that all contingencies have been resolved, and the deal is moving toward closing. The listing is no longer active, and new offers are not accepted.

Common use cases

  • Buyer undergoing mortgage approval
  • Home inspection still pending
  • Third-party contingencies involved
  • Seller wants to keep the listing visible
  • Agent protecting deal flow by keeping status flexible

Considerations for buyers

When a property is marked as active under contract, it’s not fully off-market. You can submit a backup offer, which becomes active if the primary contract falls through.

This makes the real estate transaction more dynamic, especially in competitive markets.

Considerations for sellers

Using active status gives flexibility in case a real estate deal hits delays or fails.

However, managing offers under this condition requires clarity and legal tools to avoid disputes — especially if a new buyer appears.

Legal and operational notes

Real estate contracts under AUC include conditions like financing clauses, home inspections, or title reviews.

If a contingency isn’t met, either party may exit the deal. It’s essential to track every update and document changes properly.

Managing AUC with DocuChain

With DocuChain, you can:

  • Sign purchase agreements and backup offers securely online
  • Manage real estate contracts with automatic reminders
  • Track contract status and share updates with your team
  • Use encrypted cloud storage for all documents

Final thoughts

The active under contract status is about balance — keeping a deal alive while staying flexible.

Whether you’re managing multiple buyers or waiting for approvals, using a platform like DocuChain ensures your process is fast, transparent, and secure.

👉 Start signing real estate contracts online

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