Quick Answer
A listing agreement is what turns your home into an official MLS listing. It spells out the listing price, the length of the agreement, the commission, and what marketing the brokerage will provide. Most Central Indiana listings use an exclusive right to sell agreement.
- Who signs it
- The seller and the listing brokerage
- What it sets
- Price, term, and commission
- Typical length
- Commonly a few months, negotiable
- Most common type
- Exclusive right to sell
What's Actually in the Agreement
Beyond price and commission, a listing agreement spells out the start and end date, how showings are handled, what's included or excluded from the sale, and the brokerage's marketing commitments.
It also authorizes the brokerage to enter your home into the MLS, which is what exposes it to other agents and their buyers.
Choosing the Right Term and Type
Sellers can negotiate the length of the agreement and, in some cases, the type. An exclusive right to sell is standard because it gives the brokerage full incentive to invest time and marketing dollars, but the details are always negotiable before signing.
Your Realty Link walks every seller through the agreement line by line before anything is signed, as part of our pricing and listing process.
Questions About Your Situation?
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Frequently Asked Questions — Listing agreement
Can I cancel a listing agreement early?
Many brokerages will release you if the relationship isn't working, but the agreement itself usually runs for its stated term unless both sides agree to end it.
Does signing a listing agreement cost anything upfront?
No. Commission is typically paid out of proceeds at closing, not upfront.
What happens if my home doesn't sell during the term?
The agreement simply expires and you're free to relist, renew, or take the home off the market.