Reviewed by Casa Academy and updated July 29, 2026 using the current DBPR checklist and Pearson VUE scheduling guidance.
Open Listing
An open listing is a non-exclusive authorization allowing multiple brokers to market a property, with commission paid only to the broker who procures the ready, willing, and able buyer, while the owner retains the right to sell independently without owing a fee.
Exam context
Open listing non-exclusive; only selling broker paid. Exclusive right-to-sell pays listing broker even if owner sells. Exclusive agency excludes owner sales from commission.
Broker competition
Owners may give open listings to several firms simultaneously to test market response. Brokers invest less marketing because another firm may earn the commission. The procuring broker must prove they introduced the buyer who closed. Owners who find buyers alone pay no commission under a pure open listing.
MLS and practice notes
Many MLS rules limit open listing exposure because of uncertain cooperation. Exclusive listings dominate residential practice for consistent marketing and clear compensation. Open listings appear more often in commercial pocket listings or unique assets. Agents should confirm commission triggers in writing before showing.
Examples
First broker wins
Two brokers each show the same open-listed farm. Buyer A, introduced by Broker X, closes. Broker X earns the stated commission while Broker Y receives nothing.
Owner sale
A homeowner open-lists with two firms but sells to a neighbor directly. No broker commission is due because no broker procured the buyer.
Keep studying
Related terms
- Exclusive listingExclusive right-to-sell with one listing broker.
- Exclusive agencyExclusive listing except owner finds buyer alone.
Related resources
- Free exam prep
Practice related licensing questions with instant feedback.
- Real estate glossary hub
Browse all published national glossary entries.
- Florida exam topic hub
Florida-specific explainers and question sets for this topic area.
Sources
- NAR: listing agreement types(National Association of Realtors)