"Pending" is a US-style MLS status that translates loosely in Ontario to "Sold Conditional" or "Sold Firm" on the TRREB MLS, depending on whether conditions remain to be satisfied. Pending or Sold Conditional means the property has an accepted offer but the deal has not yet closed — it can still fall through if conditions are not waived. Here is how the statuses work in the GTA.
In this guide, we cross-reference What Is a Firm Offer?, What Is APS in Real Estate?, and How to Buy a House in Ontario — click through whenever you want to go deeper on a related concept.
TRREB MLS Statuses Explained
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active (A) | On the market, accepting offers. |
| Sold Conditional (Sc) | Offer accepted but conditions remain (similar to US "Pending"). |
| Sold Conditional Escape Clause (Sce) | Offer accepted with conditions, seller has escape clause to consider better offers (often when buyer's home sale is a condition). |
| Sold Firm (Sld) | Offer firm — all conditions waived; deal headed to closing. |
| Closed (Sld with closing date) | Deal has closed and title transferred. |
Can a Pending / Sold Conditional Deal Fall Through?
Yes. Common reasons:
- Buyer's financing falls through during the financing condition.
- Home inspection reveals issues the buyer cannot accept.
- Status certificate review (condo) reveals reserve fund or litigation issues.
- Sale of buyer's property condition is not satisfied.
- Buyer changes their mind during the conditions window (loses deposit if no condition supports termination).
What If You Want to Bid on a Pending Property?
Sold Conditional Escape Clause (Sce) listings actively invite back-up offers. A back-up offer is a binding contract that takes effect if the first deal collapses. Even on regular Sold Conditional (Sc), you can submit a written back-up offer through your agent.
Sold Firm — When the Deal Becomes Real
Once a property is Sold Firm, all conditions are waived. The buyer cannot back out without legal consequences. The property is functionally off market and headed to closing.
How Long Does Sold Conditional Last?
The Sold Conditional period matches the longest condition in the APS — typically 5–10 business days for financing and inspection, longer for sale-of-home conditions. The MLS status updates to Sold Firm once conditions are waived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pending the same as Sold in Ontario?+
No. "Pending" is loosely equivalent to TRREB's Sold Conditional — accepted offer, conditions remaining. "Sold Firm" is the unconditional binding stage. Closed means title has transferred.
Can I make an offer on a Sold Conditional property?+
Yes — through a back-up offer. It becomes the lead offer if the first deal terminates. Sold Conditional Escape Clause (Sce) listings specifically invite back-up activity.
How often do Sold Conditional deals fall through?+
Most do close — the conditions period is short and most buyers proceed. Industry estimates put fall-through rates at 5–10%, higher in slow markets and on financing-conditional deals.
What is the difference between Sold Conditional and Sold Firm?+
Sold Conditional means an offer is accepted but conditions still need to be waived/fulfilled. Sold Firm means all conditions are gone and the deal is binding.
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