Before You Sign that Listing Agreement

Most real estate agents aren't going to tell a prospective customer or client that sellers have a variety of listing agreements to choose from and a host of exclusions to those contracts to consider. That's because listings are pretty much boiler-plate and Exclusive Right-to-Sell listings are preferred among full-service brokerages.

But a seller does have choices. The type of contract a seller signs is negotiable. Moreover, as important is to ask your agent if the listing is guaranteed, meaning will she let you cancel the contract if you so desire? Lots of large brokerages won't let a seller cancel. Once you sign the listing, you're stuck. If you're unhappy, the brokerage will simply assign another agent to "assist you." Should you decide not to sell, for example, some of these large brokerage firms will sue you for the commission if it brings an offer and you refuse to sign. There are a lot of questions to ask before you sign a listing agreement.

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