As a potential homebuyer, you may come across a property that catches your eye, only to find out that it is already under contract. This can be disappointing, especially if you had been hoping to make an offer on the property. However, just because a house is under contract does not necessarily mean that the deal is set in stone. In this article, we`ll explore whether or not you can make an offer on a house that is active under contract.

Firstly, it`s important to understand what “active under contract” means. When a property is listed as active under contract, it means that the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, and the transaction is currently in progress. The property is no longer available for other potential buyers to make offers on, and the seller cannot accept any more offers at this point.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. In some cases, a buyer may back out of the deal, leaving the property once again available on the market. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as discovering issues with the property during inspections or failing to secure financing. If this happens, the seller may choose to relist the property as active on the market.

Another potential way to make an offer on a house that is active under contract is through a backup offer. A backup offer is an offer that is made on a property that is already under contract, with the understanding that it will only be considered by the seller if the current deal falls through. If the buyer in the current deal backs out, the backup offer becomes the primary offer and the transaction moves forward.

Making a backup offer can be a good strategy if you really love a property but don`t want to miss out entirely. It`s important to note, however, that backup offers are not legally binding and do not guarantee that you will ultimately be able to purchase the property.

It`s also worth mentioning that some real estate agents and sellers may choose not to entertain backup offers at all. They may feel that it`s too complicated or risky to deal with multiple offers on a property, or they may simply be confident that the current deal will go through. It`s always a good idea to ask your real estate agent about the seller`s policy on backup offers before making one.

In conclusion, while you technically can`t make an offer on a house that is active under contract, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the current deal falls through or if you make a backup offer, you may still have a chance to purchase the property. However, it`s important to be aware that these options are not always available or guaranteed. As always, working with an experienced real estate agent can help you navigate the complexities of buying a home.