What does it mean when a property is "under contract"?

When a property is described as "under contract," it signifies that the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, and typically, the buyer has provided earnest money to show their commitment to the purchase. This stage indicates that both parties are engaged in a legally binding agreement, and the terms are being finalized.

At this point, the contract outlines the obligations of both the buyer and the seller, including aspects like closing dates, contingencies, and any disclosures required. It is important to note that the property remains available for inspection and could still be contingent upon certain conditions being met, such as financing or inspection approvals. However, the acceptance of the offer by the seller is a crucial element in defining the property as "under contract," reflecting a significant step toward finalizing the sale.

The other choices do not accurately represent this status. For instance, stating that the buyer is still searching for properties would imply no agreement is in place, and suggesting the property is sold indicates the transaction is completed, which is not the case while under contract. Lastly, if the offer has been rejected, that would mean no contract exists at all.