When you are searching for homes on Oahu, you will quickly notice that every listing on the MLS has a status label. These labels tell you where that property stands in the buying process, and understanding them can save you time, prevent frustration, and help you act fast when the right home appears. Here is what each status means in the context of Hawaii's HiCentral MLS and how it affects you as a buyer or seller.

Active

An active listing means the property is currently on the market and available for showings and offers. On Oahu, active homes in areas like Mililani, Kapolei, and Kailua often receive strong interest quickly, especially in price ranges under $900,000. If you see a home listed as active, it means the seller has not yet accepted an offer and the property is fair game for all buyers. This is your green light to schedule a showing and submit your best offer.

For sellers, maintaining an active status means your home is being marketed and exposed to the widest pool of buyers. The longer a listing stays active, the more important it becomes to reassess pricing, staging, and marketing strategy to attract serious offers.

Pending

A pending status means the seller has accepted an offer and the transaction is moving toward closing. In Hawaii, this is often referred to as being "under contract." When a listing goes pending on the HiCentral MLS, it typically means all major contingencies have been satisfied or waived and the deal is on track to close.

As a buyer, seeing a home in pending status usually means you have missed your window to make an offer. However, deals can still fall through due to financing issues, inspection problems, or appraisal shortfalls. It is worth asking your agent to keep an eye on pending listings that interest you in case they come back on the market.

For sellers, reaching pending status is a strong sign that your home is close to sold. Your agent should be coordinating with the title company, escrow, and all parties to ensure a smooth path to closing da

A contingent listing means the seller has accepted an offer, but certain conditions must still be met before the sale can close. Common contingencies on Oahu include financing approval, home inspection results, appraisal value, and the sale of the buyer's current home.

Contingent listings are important for buyers to watch because they represent potential opportunities. If a contingency is not met, the deal could fall apart and the home may become available again. Some sellers on Oahu will also accept backup offers while in contingent status, which means you could be next in line if the primary buyer cannot close.

As a seller, being in contingent status means you are close but not finished. Work closely with your agent to monitor timelines and ensure the buyer is meeting their obligations within the agreed-upon deadlines.

These statuses indicate that a listing has returned to the market, been withdrawn, or its listing period has ended. On Oahu, a back on market listing can be a golden opportunity for buyers who missed out the first time. It usually means a previous deal fell through, and the seller is motivated to find a new buyer quickly.

Canceled listings mean the seller chose to remove the property from the market, often to relist with a different agent or at a different price. Expired listings indicate the listing agreement ended without a sale. Both of these can signal potential deals for savvy buyers who reach out directly through their agent.

If you are a seller whose listing has expired or been canceled, it may be time to reevaluate your approach. Pricing, presentation, and marketing all play a role in how quickly your Oahu home sells.

Knowing what each listing status means gives you a real advantage whether you are buying or selling on Oahu. As a buyer, you can prioritize which homes to act on quickly and which ones to monitor for future opportunities. As a seller, understanding where your listing stands helps you make informed decisions about pricing, timing, and negotiation.

At Kristy and Austin Home Group, we help our clients navigate every stage of the real estate process on Oahu. Whether you are looking for your first home in Mililani, a military relocation to Ewa Beach, or selling your property in Kailua, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Have questions about a listing status or ready to start your home search? Reach out to us today. Guiding you home with aloha.