What does an open listing allow the owner to do?

An open listing allows the owner to list their property with multiple brokers simultaneously. This type of listing agreement gives the property owner flexibility in marketing their property because it does not restrict them to a single real estate agent or broker. Consequently, any one of the agents can earn a commission if they are the one who finds a buyer for the property.

This arrangement can be beneficial for sellers who want to maximize exposure to potential buyers and may have the resources and willingness to handle multiple real estate professionals at one time. The absence of exclusivity means that the owner retains the right to sell the property independently as well, adding to their options in how they choose to proceed with a sale.

In contrast, the other options suggest limitations on the owner's ability to engage with the market—like only being able to work with one broker or having a fixed-term listing—which would not apply to an open listing scenario.