If you’re selling your home in Myrtle Beach, you may hear your agent say your property is “under contract.” At that point, it can feel like your home is already sold, but there are still important steps left before closing.

In simple terms, under contract means you have accepted an offer from a buyer and both parties have signed a purchase agreement.

However, the sale is not final yet.

Brian Staub is a real estate agent in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina helping homeowners sell with clarity and confidence.

If you’re selling a home in Myrtle Beach, understanding what “under contract” means helps you know exactly where you are in the process and what happens next.

What Does “Under Contract” Mean in Real Estate?

When your home is under contract, it means:

• You accepted a buyer’s offer

• Both parties signed the agreement

• The transaction is moving toward closing

At this stage, the buyer is working through required steps like inspections, financing approval, and title review.

Your home is no longer considered fully active on the market, but the deal is not complete yet.

Is Under Contract the Same as Contingent?

Not exactly.

In many Myrtle Beach transactions, “under contract” is a general status that includes homes still working through contingencies.

A property may be under contract while:

• inspections are happening

• financing is being finalized

• the appraisal is pending

This stage often overlaps with what is called contingent status.

If you have not already reviewed it, see our guide explaining what contingent means when selling a home in Myrtle Beach.

Is Under Contract the Same as Pending?

These terms are related but not identical.

• Under contract means the agreement is signed and the process has started

• Pending usually means contingencies have been removed and closing is approaching

A pending sale is typically further along than a home that is simply under contract.

You can learn more in our article explaining what pending means when selling a home in Myrtle Beach.

Can a Home Under Contract Fall Through?

Yes, it can.

Even after a home goes under contract in Myrtle Beach, several issues can still affect the sale:

• inspection concerns

• financing delays

• appraisal problems

• title issues

This is why sellers sometimes continue accepting backup offers during earlier contract stages.

You can learn how that works in our guide to backup offers in Myrtle Beach.

What Happens After a Home Goes Under Contract?

Once your home is under contract, the buyer begins completing several important steps before closing.

These usually include:

• scheduling the home inspection

• completing the appraisal

• securing final loan approval

• reviewing title work

• preparing for the final walkthrough

Learn more about the home inspection process in Myrtle Beach.

You can also review what to expect during the final walkthrough before closing.

Each of these steps moves the transaction closer to closing day.

Should Sellers Keep Showing a Home That Is Under Contract?

Sometimes, yes.

Early in the contract period, especially before contingencies are removed, some sellers in Myrtle Beach still allow showings and accept backup offers.

This creates a safety net if the primary contract does not move forward.

Later in the process, once the property becomes pending, showings usually stop.

Real Example: Under Contract in Myrtle Beach

Imagine you accept an offer on your home within a few days of listing.

The buyer signs the agreement and deposits earnest money. Your property is now under contract.

During the next two weeks:

• inspections take place

• the lender reviews financing

• the appraisal is completed

If everything goes smoothly, the status moves closer to pending and then to closing.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make After Going Under Contract

Assuming the home is already sold
A signed agreement is a major step forward, but closing has not happened yet.

Ignoring contract timelines
Deadlines for inspections, financing, and paperwork still matter.

Turning down backup offers too quickly
Backup offers can provide protection if the first contract falls through.

What Should You Do When Your Home Is Under Contract?

As a seller, this phase is about staying organized and responsive.

Focus on:

• keeping communication open

• meeting contract deadlines

• preparing for the move

• reviewing requests quickly

This is where working with the right local agent helps keep your transaction moving smoothly toward closing.

FAQs About Homes That Are Under Contract

Does under contract mean the home is sold?

No. It means the agreement is signed, but closing has not happened yet.

How long does a home stay under contract?

Most homes in Myrtle Beach remain under contract for 2 to 4 weeks before closing, depending on financing and inspections.

Can sellers accept another offer while under contract?

Yes. Sellers can accept backup offers in many situations.

Can buyers cancel after going under contract?

Sometimes. It depends on the contingencies written into the agreement.

Final Thoughts

When your home is under contract, you have successfully accepted an offer and moved into the next phase of the selling process.

While the sale is not complete yet, you are one step closer to closing and transferring ownership of your home.

Understanding what happens during this stage helps you stay prepared and avoid surprises along the way.

Next Steps

If you are preparing to sell your home in Myrtle Beach and want to understand what happens after accepting an offer, the next step is getting a clear picture of what to expect from contract to closing.

You can learn:

• what your home could sell for today

• what timelines to expect after accepting an offer

• how to avoid delays before closing

Brian Staub is a real estate agent in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina helping homeowners sell with clarity and confidence.

Brian Staub
Beach Properties Group Keller Williams
601 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 385-6630
https://beachpropertiesgroup.com/