written employment agreement between a property owner and a real estate broker authorizing the broker to find a buyer or tenant for certain property. Oral listings, while not specifically illegal, are unenforceable under many state fraud statutes, and generally are not recommended. The most common form of listing is the exclusive-right-to-sell listing. Others include open listings, net listings and exclusive-agency listings. Listings are personal service contracts and cannot be assigned to another broker, but brokers can delegate the work to other members of the sales office. The listing usually states the amount of commission the seller will pay the broker and the time limit. In a buyer's listing, the buyer hires the broker to locate a property.

1. written engagement contract between a principal and an agent, authorizing the agent to perform services for the principal involving the latter's property.
2. record of property for sale by a broker who has been authorized by the owner to sell.
3. property so listed. See also exclusive agency listing ; exclusive right to sell listing ; multiple listing ; open listing .

1. a written engagement contract between a principal and an agent , authorizing the agent to perform services for the principal involving the latter's property.
2. a record of property for sale by a broker who has been authorized by the owner to sell.
3. the property so listed.

Example:Abel employs Baker to find a buyer for his home by giving Baker a listing contract. When prospective buyers visit Baker, they will examine the listings in Baker's office. If interested, a prospective buyer may wish to visit the listing.