Domains set to expire

[Felix]

I am looking at a domain I want to buy but I am confused about its status.

Looking at whois its says

Domain Name:domain
Status: pendingDelete
Updated Date: 16-mar-2008
Creation Date: 03-aug-2002
Expiration Date: 03-aug-2008

Now if the domain expires in August 2008, why is it pending deletion?

 

[unwashed potato!]

pendingdelete
A domain name is placed in pendingdelete status if it has not been restored during the Redemption Period. A name that is in pendingdelete status will not be included in the zone file. All registrar requests to modify or otherwise update a domain in pendingdelete status will be rejected. A domain name is purged from the registry database a specified number of calendar days after it is placed in pendingdelete status. The current length of this pending delete Period is five calendar days.

edit: sorry had to quickly talk on phone thought i'd post this, afaik from a quick google bascially pending delete means that the expiration date for the domain has gone by but the register company has renewed it for a year for the user to come up with the funds to pay for it, but this hasn't happened so the comapny has set it for deletion, which takes 5 days.

Keep an eye on the domain as it should be free very soon to buy but you might need to be quick before someone else steals it.