open versus exclusive listings?

This is a case of one to many vs. many to one. An “Open Listing” is one where many brokers can try to find a buyer. In other words hire 10 Brokers and pay whomever brings the buyer.

There are two types of Exclusive agreements. One Broker “Lists” the property, offers it to other Brokers for compensation, splitting the commission but secretly hoping they will find the buyer themselves and keep all or at least a large part of the commission.

The other “Exclusive” agreement literally means the exclusive Broker is the only one that can bring the buyer. This would usually indicate the seller is old school or trying to be creative, you’ll have to figure that one out.

Here are acouple of possibilities:
1. The Listing Broker just doesn’t want to do another Broker’s work and share the commission and liability (Sort of understandable). Have your Broker call and setup the showing, that’s presumably why you are working with them.

2. The Seller is only willing to pay one Broker and it’s not yours. You can either arrange to pay your Broker or go it alone.

I would just ask the listing Broker to explain why? You might ask some probing questions like, Why don't you want my Broker to be there? or Will your seller pay my broker?

As far as missing out on listings, you might be. Ask your Broker and find out what they propose to do about it.

Good Luck!