Florida Real Estate Broker ExaminationReal Estate Law and RegulationsMedium

A Florida real estate sales associate is preparing a listing agreement for a property owner. The property owner wants to retain the right to sell the property themselves without owing a commission to the broker. Which type of listing agreement should the sales associate recommend?

  1. ANet Listing
  2. BExclusive Agency Listing
  3. CExclusive Right of Sale Listing
  4. DOpen Listing
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Exclusive Agency Listing

An Exclusive Agency Listing allows the seller to retain the right to sell the property themselves and avoid paying a commission to the broker. If any other broker sells the property, the listing broker would be entitled to a commission.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. A Net Listing specifies a net price to the seller, with the broker's commission being any amount over that price, which is illegal in Florida.
  • C. This type of listing guarantees the broker a commission regardless of who sells the property.
  • D. An Open Listing allows multiple brokers to sell the property, and only the broker who procures the buyer gets a commission; the owner can also sell without owing a commission, but it's less common for a sales associate to 'recommend' it over an exclusive agency in this scenario.

Exclusive Agency Listing

A listing agreement where the seller grants exclusive rights to a broker to sell their property, but retains the right to sell it themselves without paying a commission.

  • Broker earns commission if *any* broker sells the property.
  • Seller does *not* owe commission if they sell the property themselves.
  • Provides some exclusivity to the broker while offering seller flexibility.

Memory trick: Every Listing Offers an Exclusive Net deal.

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