Open listing
A non-exclusive agreement where the seller can list with several agents at once. Only the agent who actually brings the buyer gets paid.
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Where this comes up: getting ready
Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
An open listing lets you list with several agents and pay only the one who brings the buyer. Few agents will market a home they might not be paid on, so it rarely gets the MLS exposure a real listing does.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
You give three agents an open listing. One brings a buyer and earns the fee; the other two did little more than tell a few clients.
| What happens | Who is paid |
|---|---|
| Agent A brings the buyer | Agent A only |
| You find the buyer yourself | Nobody |
| Nobody markets it much | The usual result; there is no reason to spend on a listing you may not be paid for |
An open listing costs nothing until it sells, and it is marketed accordingly.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That more agents means more exposure. Without an exclusive, each one has little reason to invest.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
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