Key facts
- Open listing
- Several agents; whoever sells earns the fee
- Exclusive mandate
- One agent for an agreed period
- Open risk
- Inconsistent prices, overexposure
- Exclusive benefit
- One strategy, full marketing investment
Open listing
Your property is offered by several agents at once; the agent who introduces the buyer earns the fee.
Pros: wide exposure quickly; no long commitment.
Cons: the same home may appear at different prices, photos and descriptions; agents invest less in marketing; buyers may sense the property is “everywhere” and push the price down.
Exclusive mandate
One agent markets your property for an agreed period.
Pros: one clear strategy and price; investment in photography, video and promotion; better control of who views and what they are told; one point of contact.
Cons: you rely on one agent’s reach — so choose carefully.
Which suits you?
- Unique, high-value or private homes usually benefit from an exclusive approach.
- Mainstream apartments in busy areas can sell either way.
Whichever you choose, put the terms in writing — see choosing an estate agent.
