Types of Listing Contracts

An agent might use a "one-time show" agreement with a For Sale By Owner or possibly with an unrepresented buyer.

An "exclusive agency" listing allows an agent to list and market your home, guaranteeing them a commission if the house sells through any real estate agent or company. This is not a popular type of listing agreement

If you find an agent willing to accept such a listing, do not expect too much from them. They will probably just place it in the Multiple Listing Service and sit around to see if something happens. A good agent would never accept such a listing, and you probably want a good agent.

Giving a real estate agent the "exclusive right to sell" your property does not mean that there will not be other agents involved. Your agent is the listing agent and part of his or her job is to market your home to other agents who work with buyers. Those agents will show your home to their clients. Regardless of who sells the home your listing agent will earn a commission.

An exclusive right to sell is the only type of listing an effective real estate agent will accept.