Coming soon is a listing status used to promote a property before it is officially active on the market. It builds anticipation and lets agents gauge interest while the seller finishes preparing the home for showings.
During the coming soon period, the listing is advertised but the property typically cannot yet be shown, and offers may not be accepted until it goes active. MLS rules govern how long a listing can stay in coming soon status and what marketing is allowed.
Sellers use this status to generate buzz and line up buyers so that showings and offers cluster once the home becomes active. Rules vary by MLS, and some restrict coming soon marketing to prevent it from being used to circumvent fair-access policies.