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Seller guide · Listing status
Expired vs. Withdrawn vs. Canceled Listing: What’s the Difference?
An expired listing reached the end of its listing agreement term. A withdrawn listing has been taken off the market, but the agreement may still be in force. A canceled listing had its agreement ended before the term was up. The difference matters because it determines whether you are still under contract with your listing broker.
Side by side
| Status | What it means | Still under agreement? |
|---|---|---|
| Expired | The time frame in the listing contract ran out. | No, but check for a protection-period clause. |
| Withdrawn | No longer actively marketed; days on market stop counting and resume if it returns to active. | Usually yes. |
| Canceled | The listing agreement was canceled. | No. |
| Hold | A valid agreement exists with no accepted offer, and the seller asked to pause showings. | Yes. |
Why sellers should care
- Withdrawn is not the same as free. If you want a different agent, ask your broker to cancel the agreement in writing.
- Protection periods. Many listing agreements pay the original broker if you sell to a buyer they introduced within a set period after expiration.
- Days on market. Status changes affect how days on market are displayed, which buyers notice.
Definitions vary slightly between MLS systems; the descriptions above follow California Regional MLS definitions. Ask your agent how your MLS treats each status.
Frequently asked questions
What does expired mean on a real estate listing?
The listing agreement’s time frame ran out without a sale.
Can I list with another agent if my listing is withdrawn?
Usually not until the agreement ends. A withdrawn listing is off the market but typically still under contract, so ask your broker to cancel in writing if you want to change agents.
What is the difference between canceled and withdrawn?
A canceled listing’s agreement has ended. A withdrawn listing is off the market but the agreement generally remains in effect.
Sources
Information current as of September 16, 2026. General information only, not legal, tax or lending advice.
