What Does 'Under Agreement' Mean for a House?
Published by Cash Flow Deals · Last updated 2026-08-05 · Published and reviewed for compliance by Camilo Palacio, a Florida Licensed Realtor
Under agreement means the buyer and seller signed a purchase and sale agreement and the house is officially under contract. The term is used most in New England-area real estate markets in place of 'pending' or 'under contract' seen elsewhere. The sale is not final until closing, but the price and terms are locked in.
| Factor | Traditional Route | Cash Flow Deals |
|---|---|---|
| What the term actually confirms | Buyer and seller signed a purchase and sale agreement, though contingencies may still be open | Same milestone reached at contract signing, with a set closing date attached |
| Regional label differences | Called 'pending,' 'under contract,' or 'under agreement' depending on the local MLS | Same underlying contract mechanics regardless of the regional label used |
| What's left before closing | Contingency clearance, loan underwriting, and title work still need to happen | Title and closing coordination handled through the broker partner, with no buyer loan underwriting step |
Under Agreement vs Under Contract vs Pending
These are regional naming differences describing essentially the same milestone: a signed agreement between buyer and seller, with the sale still pending final closing steps.
The Purchase and Sale Agreement Itself
In markets that use this term, the purchase and sale agreement typically follows an initial accepted offer or binder, and is a more detailed contract laying out the final terms of the deal.
What Can Still Change After Under Agreement
Inspection findings, a financing contingency, and in some states like Massachusetts, an attorney review period, can all still affect or end the deal after the purchase and sale agreement is signed.
Timeline From Under Agreement to Closing
This period typically runs 30 to 45 days, depending mostly on how long the buyer's financing takes to fully underwrite.
What Buyers and Sellers Should Do During This Window
Respond quickly to any lender document requests, keep the home insured and maintained, and if you are the buyer, avoid taking on new debt that could affect your loan approval before closing.
Common questions
Is under agreement the same as sold?
No. It means the property is under contract, not that the sale has closed.
What region uses 'under agreement' most?
It is most common in New England states like Massachusetts, and still means the same thing as 'under contract' used elsewhere in the country.
Can a house under agreement fall through?
Yes. Contingencies like inspection, financing, or an attorney review period can still end the deal after the agreement is signed.
How long is a typical under-agreement period?
Commonly 30 to 45 days from signing to closing, depending mostly on the buyer's financing timeline.
Keep reading
What this means for your options
Every path to selling a house has real tradeoffs. Cash Flow Deals is built for the middle: faster than a traditional listing, more money than a cash investor.
Wait and see
Keep the property as-is and hope conditions improve. The mortgage, insurance, and upkeep keep costing money while you wait, with no set date for things to turn around.
List with a traditional agent
Standard MLS listing, typically 5-6% in commission, and a financed buyer whose deal depends on appraisal, inspection, and lender approval — any of which can fall through after weeks on market.
Sell to Cash Flow Deals
No repairs, no showings, no financing contingency on your side — our novation structure connects you with a bank-financed buyer at a price locked at signing. Usually within one business day.
See your selling options before you decide anything.