What Is a Listing Agreement?

A listing agreement is a contract between a homeowner and a real estate agent. The agreement provides the agent with the authority to represent the homeowner in the sale of their property. It outlines the agent's responsibilities, the listing price of the property, the agent's commission, the agreement's duration, and other significant terms.

Want more information about the roles and responsibilities of different real estate professionals? Check out The Difference Between Real Estate Agents, Brokers, and RealtorsⓇ.

Open Listing: An Overview

An Open Listing is a non-exclusive agreement, which allows the homeowner to enlist multiple real estate agents or brokers to help sell the property. The seller only pays a commission to the agent who brings the buyer. If the owner sells the property without any agent's help, they don't owe any commission.

Pros of an Open Listing

Open listings provide flexibility because the homeowner isn't tied to one agent. You can enlist as many agents as you want, broadening the chances of finding a buyer. Additionally, you could save money if you end up finding a buyer yourself, as no commission is due in this case.

Cons of an Open Listing

On the downside, agents may prioritize exclusive listings over open ones as they are not guaranteed a commission. This could lead to less marketing and fewer resources to sell your property. The competition among agents can also lead to a rushed sale, which might not necessarily fetch the best price.

Exclusive Right to Sell: An Overview

An Exclusive Right to Sell agreement gives a single agent the exclusive rights to represent the homeowner and sell the property within a specified period. Regardless of who finds the buyer, the homeowner will pay the agreed commission to the agent.

For more information, read Who Pays the Real Estate Agent Commission?

Pros of an Exclusive Right to Sell

With an Exclusive Right to Sell agreement, your chosen agent is fully incentivized to devote time, resources, and marketing efforts to sell your property. The agent will work diligently to ensure the property sells for the best possible price. The homeowner also benefits from a more controlled and focused process since they deal with only one agent.

Cons of an Exclusive Right to Sell

The downside to an Exclusive Right to Sell agreement is the lack of flexibility. Even if you find a buyer yourself, you are still obligated to pay the agent's commission. This can be costly, especially if the property sells quickly or without much effort from the agent.

Choosing the Right Listing Agreement

When deciding between an Open Listing and an Exclusive Right to Sell, consider your needs, resources, and time. If you have extensive real estate experience and enough time to manage the sale, an open listing may be a good fit. However, if you're looking for a more hands-off approach and want to ensure your property gets maximum exposure, an Exclusive Right to Sell might be the way to go.

Remember, the right real estate agent will guide you through the process and help tailor the agreement to suit your circumstances. Always consult a real estate professional or legal advisor before entering any contract.

By understanding the difference between these two types of listing agreements, you can decide to best suit your needs, ensuring a smooth and successful real estate transaction.

If you’re ready to sell your home, visit unrealestate.com/sell to start a listing on the MLS for free, or find your perfect home at unrealestate.com/search.

We'd love to hear your thoughts about this article and our blog. Let us know how we did by completing the Unreal Estate Blog Feedback Survey.