Originally Posted by InfoGuy

From what you're describing, the domain isn't .com or .net, as the status wouldn't be "pending deletion". It would be "Redemption Period" with a fixed 30 day grace period to renew or "Pending Delete" with an additional fixed 5 days to release and no option to renew. Prior to sending delete commands to VeriSign, registrars have have a choice of 1 day up to 45 days of their own internal grace period. So a typical expired domain can take anywhere from 36 to 80 days from expiration to get dropped and released. Other registries use similar deletion schedules and terminology. For example, "Pending Delete - Restorable" is equivalent to VeriSign's "Redemption Period" and "Pending Delete - Scheduled for Release" is equivalent to VeriSign's "Pending Delete". You will need to figure out the actual status of the domain name, find the last updated date and look at the deletion schedule above. Note that these are only guidelines. Without knowing the actual TLD, you're on your own.

Don't assume that the expiring domain just has value to you. Others may still see value in the domain or have personal interest just like you. If you really want it, backorder it with a drop service. You can also check the deletion schedule for the domain with the drop service.