Have you ever clicked on a Riverside listing only to see “Contingent,” “Pending,” or “Active Under Contract” and wondered what it really means for you? You are not alone. Status labels can be confusing, and portals often show them differently from the MLS. In this guide, you will learn what each status means in Riverside, how it affects showings and offers, and the smart next steps that keep you ahead of the market. Let’s dive in.

How Riverside MLS statuses work

Riverside County listings mostly live in CRMLS, which sets the status labels you see. Public portals can lag, so the MLS listing and the listing agent’s remarks are the most reliable source.

In California, contracts often use California Association of Realtors forms. Those forms set contingency deadlines, delivery of disclosures, and how a buyer removes protections in writing. That is why two homes with the same status can have very different timelines.

Always ask your agent to check the actual MLS remarks for showing rules, offer instructions, and whether backup offers are allowed.

Active status: what it means

Active means the seller is marketing the home, showings are allowed per instructions, and the seller plans to accept offers.

• Showings: Allowed by appointment or open house, based on listing remarks.
• Offers: Accepted, and multiple offers are common in competitive pockets.
• Timeline: Days on market are counting. Escrow does not start until an offer is accepted.

What to do:

• Schedule a showing quickly if you are interested.
• Ask how and when the seller will review offers, and whether there is a preferred close date.
• Request available seller disclosures to help you write a clean, informed offer.

Coming Soon: what to expect

Coming Soon promotes a listing before it is ready for showings. It is a marketing window, not an open-to-offers stage.

• Showings: Typically not allowed while in Coming Soon.
• Offers: Usually not accepted until the status changes to Active.
• Timeline: Once it switches to Active, normal showings and offers begin.

What to do:

• Ask when showings start and whether there will be an open house.
• Set an alert so you are first in line when it turns Active.

Contingent vs Active Under Contract

Both statuses mean the seller accepted an offer and contingencies remain. In CRMLS markets like Riverside, you often see Active Under Contract to signal the seller may allow showings or backup offers while the buyer is in contingency periods.

• Showings: Often allowed for AUC, sometimes for Contingent. Check remarks.
• Offers: Backup offers may be welcomed, but not always.
• Timeline: The deal can still fall through while contingencies are open.

What to ask:

• Which contingencies are still in place, and when are they scheduled to be removed?
• Are showings allowed? Is the seller open to backup offers?
• Will the seller consider an offer contingent on the sale of your current home?

What to do:

• If you love the home, consider a strong backup offer with clear terms.
• Stay flexible on dates so you can move fast if the primary deal cancels.

Pending: near the finish line

Pending signals that contingencies are removed, escrow is open, and the sale is on track to close.

• Showings: Usually stopped.
• Offers: Usually not accepted, though some sellers may allow a backup in special cases.
• Timeline: Closing depends on the loan, escrow, and any remaining instructions.

What to do:

• Assume the home is effectively off the market.
• If you are very interested, ask if a backup offer would be considered.

Backup: how it really works

Backup status means the seller has a primary contract and is open to a backup that activates only if the first deal cancels.

• Showings: Sometimes limited, per seller instructions.
• Offers: Backup offers can be submitted and held in position.
• Timeline: Unpredictable. Your backup becomes primary only if the first buyer cancels.

What to do:

• If you want a shot at this home, write a backup with clear terms, including how fast you will remove contingencies if you become primary.
• Keep your financing and documents ready so you can pivot quickly.

What drives timelines in Riverside

Most status shifts are tied to contingencies and contract benchmarks. Here are the common drivers you will see:

• Inspection contingency: The buyer has a defined window to inspect and request repairs or cancel. If they cancel, the home often returns to Active.
• Loan contingency: The buyer must obtain loan approval within an agreed period. If financing fails, the deal can end.
• Appraisal contingency: If the appraisal is low, the parties must resolve the gap. If not resolved, the deal can fall through.
• Title and escrow review: Title or escrow issues can delay or stop closing.
• Sale of buyer’s home: Some contracts depend on the buyer selling their current home, which adds risk and time.

Once contingencies are removed in writing, a listing commonly moves to Pending. If contingencies fail, the listing may return to Active or the seller may elevate a backup offer.

Escrow periods in many California transactions often run around 30 to 45 days, but timing can be shorter or longer based on the loan type, appraisals, title, and what you negotiate in the purchase agreement.

Smart monitoring tips for buyers

• Trust the MLS over portals. Public sites can lag. Your agent can confirm the live status and instructions.
• Read the listing remarks. They spell out showing rules, offer windows, and whether backups are allowed.
• Ask for disclosures early. The sooner you review them, the stronger and cleaner your offer can be.
• Get your financing ready. A well-documented preapproval and flexible terms help you win in Active status and stand out as a backup.

Quick status cheat sheet

• Active: Showings allowed, offers accepted, no contract in place.
• Coming Soon: Market preview, no showings or offers yet.
• Contingent: Offer accepted, contingencies open, check remarks for showings and backups.
• Active Under Contract: Offer accepted, seller may allow showings and backups.
• Pending: Contingencies removed, moving to close, usually no showings.
• Backup: Secondary offers held in position, activated only if the primary cancels.

Your next step

You deserve clear guidance and fast, informed decisions. If you want to tour an Active home, position a winning offer, or craft a smart backup on a Contingent or AUC property, we are ready to help. Reach out to schedule a quick strategy call with Heather Stevenson - The Stevenson Team for local, practical advice tailored to Riverside and the Inland Empire.

FAQs

What does “Active Under Contract” mean in Riverside’s CRMLS?

• It means the seller accepted an offer and contingencies remain, but the seller may still allow showings or accept backup offers, per the listing remarks.

Can I tour a Riverside home marked “Contingent”?

• Sometimes. Showings depend on the listing instructions. Ask your agent to check the MLS remarks or call the listing agent to confirm.

Are backup offers worth it in Riverside?

• Yes, if you love the home and can be flexible. A well-structured backup gives you first position if the primary deal falls through.

What is the difference between “Contingent” and “Pending” in California?

• Contingent means there are open buyer protections like inspection or loan. Pending usually means contingencies are removed and the sale is moving to closing.

Why does a portal say “Pending” when the home still shows “Active” on MLS?

• Portals can lag or label statuses differently. The MLS listing and the listing agent’s notes are the authoritative sources.

How long does escrow take for Riverside homes?

• Many California escrows run around 30 to 45 days, but the exact timing depends on your contract, loan type, appraisal, title, and negotiations.