What is net listing in real estate transactions?

In real estate transactions, a net listing occurs when a seller specifies a minimum amount they are willing to accept for their property. Any amount above this threshold is considered the agent's commission. This type of listing can incentivize agents to work harder to sell the property for a higher price because they directly benefit from any excess amount above the agreed minimum. It is important to note that while this approach can motivate agents, it may also raise ethical concerns, as the agent's financial interest could conflict with the seller's best interests, particularly regarding pricing strategy.

This definition distinguishes net listings from other types of listings where commissions are typically predetermined percentages of the sale price, or are based on other criteria unrelated to the seller's desired net amount from the sale.