Listing agreement - time frame

**tomyco** · 03-22-2007, 09:01 PM

What is the average time frame that's acceptable to the seller to give the listing agent time to sell their home. I heard it is 6 months, is that about right? What is the minimum? Thanks!

**JChristin** · 03-27-2007, 12:08 AM

Length of time periods for service contracts are negotiable between the parties. However, common sense may indicate that when the market trends indicate a Buyer's Market that it is more advantaous to all the parties to agree to a time duration sufficiently long enough to market and sell. In a Seller's Market, the broker may feel more confident and be more agreeable of a time duration that is shorter in its term than when its a Buyers Market.

**Alpharetta** · 03-27-2007, 07:38 AM

I is definatley negotiable and 6 months may or may not be common for your area. I try and do a minimum of ninety days and 6 months is what I would prefer. If it is an expensive listing, I try for longer.

**gjtrafl** · 03-29-2007, 05:39 PM

As said above... It should be atleast the average days on market for similar properties in the area. Always shoot for 6 months to be fair to everyone. In the end, as long as you are doing a good job, the time won't be much of a factor unless they just decide to not sell the home.

I hear many realtors talk about not taking a listing unless it is for 6 months. Personally I think this is a mistake.