What Is CTG?
CTG is the abbreviation many MLS listing systems use for Contingent status: the seller has accepted an offer, but the sale still depends on conditions such as inspection, financing or appraisal. The exact codes, and whether a contingent home can still be shown or take backup offers, vary by MLS.
CTG in plain English
CTG on a listing means Contingent: the seller has accepted an offer, but the deal is not final because conditions - usually inspection, financing and appraisal, sometimes the buyer selling a home - still have to be met.
Many MLSs use separate codes depending on whether the home can still be shown or is taking backup offers. Once contingencies are removed, the listing usually moves to Pending.
Why it matters
A CTG listing is not sold: buyers can often still view it and submit a backup offer, and sellers should keep it marketable until the contingencies are removed.
When CTG is used
- Buyers deciding whether a contingent home is worth a backup offer.
- Sellers choosing whether to keep showing the home while contingencies are open.
- Agents reading market activity from status changes in the MLS.
Common mistakes
- Treating a CTG listing as sold and ignoring it.
- Assuming every contingent listing accepts backup offers - check the MLS code and ask the listing agent.
- Confusing contingent with pending: pending usually means the contingencies have been cleared.
Compare and common questions
CTG: frequently asked questions
What does CTG mean on a house listing?
It means Contingent. An offer has been accepted, but the sale still depends on conditions such as inspection, financing or appraisal.
Can I still make an offer on a contingent house?
Yes, in many cases. Many sellers accept backup offers that move up if the first deal falls through; ask the listing agent.
What is the difference between contingent and pending?
Contingent means conditions are still open; pending usually means they have been satisfied and the sale is heading to closing. Exact definitions vary by MLS.
Recommended next step
See what each contingency protects and what waiving it costs.
Contingent vs non-contingent offers →Apply it to a specific property: Home Buyer Decision Report.
Sources and review
No regulator defines this term; the page follows common industry practice.
Where this applies: United States. Listing status codes and their rules are set by each multiple listing service (MLS) and vary by market.
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