Real Estate Glossary > A > Active Definition

An Active status is the most common for homes listed for sale in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) A local or regional service that compiles available real estate for sale by member brokers along with detailed information brokers and agents can access online. . The listing status is updated on Redfin shortly after the listing agent changes it in the MLS, in many cases just 15 minutes, since we synchronize with every MLS in each market we serve.

Other types of Active statuses may be "New" or "Price Change." New means that the listing has been on the market for 3 - 7 days; Price Change means that the listing experienced a price decrease or increase within the past 3 - 7 days.

There may be different types of active listings, depending on the MLS. For example, Metrolist, serving the greater Sacramento area, has different statuses for Active homes for sale, even though there may already be offers on the home that are subject to court approval. These types of homes are called probate sales. A legal process in which a court will oversee the settlement of an individual's estate after their death.