What is the most common type of listing agreement?

The exclusive right to sell listing agreement is considered the most common type of listing agreement in real estate transactions. This type of agreement provides the listing agent with the sole right to market and sell the property, meaning that, regardless of who finds the buyer—whether it is the agent or the seller themselves—the agent is entitled to earn a commission on the sale.

This arrangement is advantageous for sellers because it creates a strong incentive for the agent to actively promote the property and dedicate resources to its sale. The exclusivity of the agreement ensures that the listing agent has a vested interest in closing the deal, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful sale. Additionally, since the agent does not have to compete with other agents for the commission, they are likely to be more motivated to invest time and money into marketing the property effectively.

In contrast, other types of listing agreements, such as open listings or exclusive agency listings, do not provide the same level of commitment from the agent nor the assurance that the seller will not have to grant commissions to more than one player in the market. A net listing, on the other hand, is less commonly used due to its potential for ethical and legal issues, as it focuses on the seller receiving a set amount, which can lead