Can I make an offer on a pending house?

Yes, you can submit a backup offer. This means if the current contract falls through, your offer automatically becomes next in line. It’s a good strategy when you really love a property but it’s already under contract.

If they are taking backup offers, then yes.

Because the listing is pending, I suggest you have your Realtor contact the listing agent to see if they would accept a backup offer. Offers can still fall through prior to close.

Yes, you can but it depends on the seller’s instructions. When a home is pending, the seller has already accepted an offer and the deal is moving toward closing. Some sellers will still allow backup offers in case the current contract falls through, while others will not accept any additional offers.

es, you can make an offer on a pending house, but it depends on the situation and your expectations.

When a home is marked pending, it usually means the seller has accepted an offer and the buyer is moving through inspections, appraisal, and financing. At that point, the seller is contractually tied to the first buyer, so they generally can’t accept a new offer outright.

That said, sellers can often accept or at least consider a backup offer. A backup offer puts you next in line if the current contract falls apart, which does happen—especially during inspection or financing. In markets like Colorado Springs, we still see deals fall out for appraisal issues, inspection surprises, or buyer financing problems.

Making an offer on a pending home only makes sense if you’re comfortable waiting and possibly not getting the house. It’s also important that your offer is clean and competitive, since sellers will only take the time to sign a backup if it clearly improves their position.

One thing to keep in mind is timing. Some sellers won’t entertain backups at all, while others actively want one for peace of mind. Your agent can usually find out quickly how solid the current deal is and whether a backup offer is welcome.

Bottom line: you can’t replace the current buyer on a pending home, but you can position yourself as the next best option if that deal falls through.

Yes Juan, you can submit an offer on a home that’s pending, and that's called a backup offer. Pending means the seller has already accepted an offer and is moving toward closing. That said, deals do fall apart, especially in today's market. If a buyer really loves the home, it’s worth having their agent check with the listing agent to see where things stand and whether a backup offer makes sense.

100%, a good amount of deals fall through. You want to get your offer in as a backup ASAP!

Here in MN "pending" means that the home is towards the last stage in the cycle of being sold, the buyer is either finishing up their financing, getting their cash, etc. And the title companies are setting up the closing date. I would suggest having your realtor reach out and chat with the listing agent to see when the closing is scheduled and if they would entertain a backup offer at this point.

In most instances you can make an offer; some may take Backup offers just in case the primary offer fall through. Have your Realtor reach out to the Listing Agent to see what their take is on Back-up Offers.

I would advice you to work with a buyers agent if possible to get an offer in. It is important as a buyer to have your own representation and not fall into working with the sellers agent which is as you said working with the seller. Also, the agent will be able to better assist you because he will be able to get more information about what stage the current buyer is and understand if there is a chance if you submit.

Yes, you can make a backup offer on the home should the buyer who has it currently under contract decides to back out

Yes. Legally speaking, you are allowed to make an offer on any property, pending or not. However, in this scenerio, this offer must be for back up purposes only and you likely will not be allowed to visit the property unless the seller gives your agent permission.

Because the listing is pending, I suggest you have your Realtor contact the listing agent to see if they would accept a backup offer. Offers can still fall through prior to close. Good luck!

Absolutely. Historically, anywhere between 5%-15% of transactions fail to get to closing. Getting your offer in now would put you in a good position in case that happens.

Yes, you can make an offer on a home that’s listed as pending, but it’s usually as a backup offer.
Pending means the seller has already accepted an offer and is working through inspections, financing, and other contingencies. You or your agent can contact the listing agent to see if backup offers are being accepted. If the current deal falls through, a backup offer can put you next in line, just know sellers rarely change course once they’re under contract.

Yes, in many cases you can, but it’s important to understand how it works and what your chances are.

A “pending” home usually means the seller has accepted an offer and is working through inspections, financing, and/or other contingencies. Many sellers will accept backup offers, which only move forward if the current contract falls apart. Not every seller allows this, but when they do, a strong backup offer can put you in a good position.

That said, timing, contract terms, and motivation matter. A pending deal with clean terms and few contingencies is less likely to fall through than one with multiple hurdles. This is where experience and communication with the listing agent make a difference.

My role is to evaluate the situation, assess the likelihood of the deal closing, and help you decide whether writing a backup offer is a smart use of your time—or if it’s better to focus on other opportunities.

— Kevin Clark, Real Estate Agent & Broker | Southern Wisconsin

Definitely, in this market there are many reasons why a transaction may not close. Submitting a back up offer will put you in a good position if the transaction falls out of escrow.

Hello Juan,

If the home is in pending status, that typically means that the buyer has removed contingencies to purchase the property. If you see a home in back up status, you may be able to write an offer and if the current buyer does not move forward with the purchase, you could have an opportunity to purchase the home. Buyers in CA have 17 days for inspections, 21 days to remove contingencies for any loans.

Reach out to a buyers agent

Absolutely- always open the door for communication with fellow realtors.

Yes- in Indiana we have a designated form called a Backup Offer that we use for that purpose.

I would ask the Listing Agent if they are accepting backup offers; see where they are at in the transaction.

While the seller is bound to the offer they accepted, you can always put in a back up offer just in-case the current offer falls out for some reason.

You can absolutely have your broker reach out to the listing agent. It never hurts to ask. Sales do fall apart from time to time, especially during inspection and attorney review. If you're interested, you can submit a backup offer so you're next in line if the current deal doesn’t hold together.

Carol Hunt
Baird & Warner, Winnetka, IL
Real Estate Broker, ePRO, GRI
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
847-404-7959