When a property is described as being in this state, it signifies that the seller has accepted an offer from a prospective buyer. This acceptance initiates a legally binding agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the sale. For example, after several weeks of negotiations, the Smiths accepted an offer on their house, moving it into this conditional phase.
This phase represents a crucial stage in a real estate transaction, offering benefits to both parties. The seller gains a degree of assurance that the property will be sold, while the buyer secures the exclusive right to purchase it, pending the fulfillment of specified contingencies. Historically, this stage evolved from simpler handshake agreements to formalized, written contracts to protect the interests of all involved. The significance lies in the establishment of a clear path toward property ownership, governed by mutually agreed-upon responsibilities.