Just wondering - what's the difference between 'under offer' and 'sold subject to contract'?

How do you get to either stage? I'm a first time buyer and am not really sure what you need to do to get a property taken off the market.

Place your offer and ask the vendor to take it off the market.

AFAIK:

'Under Offer' means the house is no longer available for veiwings but the buyer hasn't decided who they are selling to yet. They are in effect reviewing the offers they have had on the property.

'Sold Subject to Contract' means the vendor of the home has chosen to whom they are selling there house. The house is no longer for sale on the open market and is in effect Sold. Obviosuly it has not completed yet because contacts have to be signed first.. so it could still fall through!