zillow active vs for sale
zillow active vs for sale

Active Listings vs For Sale Listings on Zillow: Decoding the Confusion

What is ‘Active’ and ‘For Sale’ on Zillow?

for sale, the terms “Active” and “For Sale” refer to the listing status of a property. An “Active” listing indicates that the home is currently on the market and available for purchase, while a “For Sale” listing signifies that the seller has officially listed the property for sale.

The key difference between these two statuses lies in the seller’s intention and the listing’s visibility. An “Active” listing means that the seller is actively marketing the property and is ready to accept offers from potential buyers. On the other hand, a “For Sale” listing suggests that the seller has taken the initial step of listing the property but may not have fully prepared or marketed it yet.

It’s important to note that both “Active” and “For Sale” listings are visible to buyers on Zillow and other real estate platforms. for sale

Active Listings on Zillow

An “Active” listing on Zillow indicates that the property is currently available for sale and the seller is actively marketing the home to potential buyers.

Active listings are considered to be “live” and open to receiving offers from interested buyers. Sellers and their real estate agents are actively promoting the property, holding open houses, and engaging in marketing efforts to attract potential buyers.

Homes in the Active status are typically available for showings and tours, allowing prospective buyers to view the property in person. If you’re interested in an Active listing, your next step would be to contact the listing agent to schedule a showing or to discuss submitting an offer.

It’s important to note that Active listings can change status quickly, especially in hot real estate markets where homes may receive multiple offers. If you’re interested in an Active listing, it’s advisable to act promptly and work closely with your real estate agent to ensure you don’t miss out on the opportunity.

For Sale Listings on Zillow

On Zillow, listings marked as “For Sale” represent properties that are actively being marketed and are available for purchase immediately. These listings typically indicate that the seller is ready and willing to entertain offers and negotiate a sale. zillow active vs for sale

When a home is listed as “For Sale” on Zillow, it means that the seller has officially put their property on the market and is actively seeking buyers. The listing will provide detailed information about the property, including its location, size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any notable features or amenities.

One key difference between “For Sale” and “Active” listings on Zillow is the level of commitment from the seller. “For Sale” listings signify a higher level of commitment, as the seller has taken the necessary steps to prepare the property for sale, such as hiring a real estate agent, staging the home, and potentially making any necessary repairs or renovations.

Buyers interested in “For Sale” listings can typically expect a more streamlined process, as the seller is actively engaged in the selling process and may be more motivated to negotiate and complete the transaction. Additionally, “For Sale” listings are often more up-to-date and accurate, as the seller and their real estate agent are actively managing and updating the listing information.

Viewing Active vs For Sale Listings

When searching for homes on Zillow, you can filter the results to display only active listings or only for sale listings. This can be helpful if you’re specifically interested in homes that are currently on the market and available for purchase.

To view active listings on Zillow, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Zillow homepage and enter your desired location in the search bar.
  2. Click on the “More” button under the search bar to expand the filter options.
  3. Under the “Listing Status” filter, select “Active” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Click “Apply Filters” to update the search results.

Now, the search results will only show homes that are currently active listings, meaning they are available for purchase and the seller is actively marketing the property.

To view for sale listings on Zillow, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Zillow homepage and enter your desired location in the search bar.
  2. Click on the “More” button under the search bar to expand the filter options.
  3. Under the “Listing Status” filter, select “For Sale” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Click “Apply Filters” to update the search results.

The search results will now display homes that are listed as for sale, which includes both active listings and homes that may have pending or contingent offers.

You can also set your preferences to always show active or for sale listings by default. To do this, click on the “Edit” button next to “Default Listing Status” under the “More” filter options. Then, select your preferred default listing status (active or for sale) and click “Save.”

By filtering your Zillow search to show only active or for sale listings, you can focus your home search on properties that are currently available for purchase, helping you find the right home more efficiently. zillow active vs for sale

Making Offers on Active vs For Sale Homes

The process of making an offer on a home listed as “Active” or “For Sale” on Zillow can vary slightly, but the fundamental steps remain the same.

For homes listed as “For Sale,” the seller has officially put their property on the market and is actively entertaining offers from potential buyers. In this scenario, you can work with your real estate agent to submit a formal offer, which typically includes details such as the proposed purchase price, desired closing date, and any contingencies or special requests.

On the other hand, homes listed as “Active” on Zillow may not necessarily be actively marketed for sale. These listings could represent properties that are potentially open to offers, but the owners may not have taken the formal steps to list their homes for sale yet. In such cases, you may need to express your interest to the listing agent or owner directly before submitting an offer.

Regardless of whether the property is listed as “Active” or the negotiation process remains similar. The seller (or their agent) will review your offer and can choose to accept, reject, or counter with a different price or terms. It’s essential to work closely with your real estate agent to ensure that your offer is competitive and aligns with current market conditions.

Pricing of Active vs For Sale Homes

The pricing strategies for active and for sale listings on Zillow can vary, reflecting the seller’s motivations and the property’s market conditions. Generally, active listings may have more room for negotiation, while for sale listings often indicate a higher level of commitment from the seller.

Active listings are typically priced slightly higher than the seller’s expected selling price. This approach allows for negotiation and helps gauge buyer interest. Sellers may be more open to entertaining offers below the listed price, especially if the property has been on the market for an extended period.

Sellers who have listed their homes as for sale are often more motivated to sell and may be less inclined to accept significantly lower offers. They have likely already factored in market conditions and comparable sales in the area when setting the price.

Ultimately, the pricing difference between active and listings on Zillow can vary on a case-by-case basis. for sale

Marketing Strategies for Sellers

When it comes to marketing strategies for sellers on Zillow, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to listing a property as “Active” versus “For Sale.”

Active Listing Pros:

  • Allows sellers to test the market and gauge interest without fully committing to a sale.
  • Provides flexibility for sellers who may not be ready to actively market their home or entertain showings and offers immediately.

For Sale Listing Cons:

  • May attract a higher volume of inquiries, which could be overwhelming for some sellers.
  • If the property lingers on the market as For Sale for an extended period, it could raise concerns among buyers about potential issues or lack of interest.

Ultimately, the decision to list as Active or For Sale on Zillow will depend on the seller’s specific circumstances, goals, and readiness to market and sell their property. Consulting with a real estate professional can help sellers develop the most effective marketing strategy based on their unique situation.

Number of Active vs For Sale Listings

The number of active listings and for sale listings on Zillow can vary significantly based on market conditions, location, and seasonality.

Active listings represent a smaller subset of the overall housing inventory, as they typically indicate homes that are under contract or have a pending offer.

This category includes newly listed properties as well as those that have been on the market for an extended period.

Conversely, in slower markets or areas with an oversupply of inventory, the listings may outnumber active listings significantly.

Over time, the ratio of active to for sale listings can fluctuate based on various factors, such as interest rates, economic conditions, and buyer sentiment. Real estate professionals and market analysts closely monitor these trends to gauge the overall health and dynamics of the housing market.

It’s worth noting that the number of listings alone does not provide a complete picture of market conditions.

Buying Process Differences

The buying process for active listings and for sale listings on Zillow can differ in several ways. With active listings, the property is typically still occupied by the current owners or tenants. This means that scheduling showings and inspections may require more coordination and flexibility. Buyers may need to work around the occupants’ schedules and availability.

In contrast, for sale listings are often vacant properties, making it easier for buyers to schedule showings and inspections at their convenience. Vacant homes also allow buyers to envision themselves living in the space without the presence of the current occupants.

Another key difference lies in the negotiation process. Active listings may involve more back-and-forth negotiations between the buyer and seller, as the seller is still living in the property and may have emotional attachments or specific move-out timelines. For sale listings, on the other hand, often involve more straightforward negotiations, as the seller has already vacated the property and may be more motivated to sell quickly.

Additionally, the closing process can vary. With active listings, the seller may request a longer closing period to allow for their move-out preparations. For sale listings, however, may have shorter closing timelines, as the property is already vacant and ready for the new owner to move in.

Tips for Home Buyers

When searching for a home on Zillow, it’s important to understand the difference between “Active” and “For Sale” listings, as this can impact your buying strategy and timeline. Here are some tips for home buyers:

Consider Your Timeline: If you’re in a hurry to move, focusing on listings may be more suitable, as these homes are typically ready for immediate sale. Active listings, on the other hand, may still be in the early stages of the selling process, and the timeline could be longer.

Negotiation Potential: Active listings often have more room for negotiation, as the sellers may be more motivated to sell quickly. With “For Sale” listings, there may be less flexibility in pricing, especially if the property has already received multiple offers.

Contingencies: Active listings may come with more contingencies, such as the seller finding a new home before completing the sale. This could add complexity to the transaction. “For Sale” listings are generally more straightforward, as the seller is ready to move forward with the sale.

Competition: listings tend to attract more competition from buyers, as they are actively on the market. Active listings may have fewer interested parties initially, giving you a potential advantage in negotiations.

Due Diligence: Regardless of whether a listing is Active or For Sale, it’s crucial to conduct thorough due diligence. This includes inspections, title searches, and reviewing all relevant documents to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Remember, both Active and listings can present opportunities, but understanding the differences can help you navigate the buying process more effectively and align your strategy with your specific needs and timeline. for sale

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *