Why Arizona uses these designations

In most states, once a home goes under contract it simply disappears from active listings. Arizona's MLS (ARMLS) takes a more transparent approach — giving buyers real-time visibility into where a transaction actually stands. That's genuinely useful in a competitive market like the Phoenix metro, where deals sometimes fall apart and second-in-line buyers can end up winning the home.

Breaking down each status

UCB — Under Contract, Backups Requested. The seller has accepted an offer, but the deal still has contingencies in play — an inspection period, appraisal, or loan approval, for example. The seller wants a backup buyer ready in case things unravel. Your agent can formally submit a backup offer that automatically activates if the primary contract cancels.

CCBS — Contract Contingent on Buyer's Sale. This is the same concept as UCB, but with one important distinction: it tells you exactly what the contingency is. The buyer under contract still needs to sell their own home before they can close on this one. That's a meaningful piece of information. Home-sale contingencies are among the most common reasons Arizona deals fall apart — timelines slip, the buyer's home doesn't sell, or a seller loses patience. A CCBS status is a quiet signal to other buyers: this one is worth watching.

Pending. The heavy lifting is done. Contingencies have been removed or satisfied, both parties are locked in, and the property is on its way to closing. The seller has chosen not to accept backup offers. Barring something extraordinary, this one is sold.

What this means if you're actively searching

If you're house-hunting in Arizona and filtering out anything that isn't "Active," you may be passing up real opportunities. UCB and CCBS properties deserve a second look — especially in a market where a meaningful share of contracts don't make it to the closing table.

Your agent can submit a backup offer at a price and terms you're comfortable with. If the primary deal falls through, you're automatically next in line — no scrambling, no missed weekend, no re-entering a bidding war.

For sellers: what should you know about a CCBS offer?

Accepting an offer contingent on the buyer's home sale gives you a buyer — but not a guaranteed close. Before accepting, your agent should review how actively the buyer's home is listed, whether it's priced to sell, and what their timeline looks like. Many sellers who accept a CCBS offer choose to remain listed and request backup offers for exactly this reason.

If a stronger, non-contingent offer comes in, Arizona contracts typically allow you to issue a notice that gives the contingent buyer a short window — often 24 to 72 hours — to remove their home-sale contingency or release the contract. Understanding that clause before you sign is essential.

Working with the right agent means understanding every tool available to you — including these status designations. Questions about what you're seeing in the market? I'd love to help you read the landscape.