What is a listing agreement?

The listing agreement is the contract that begins your relationship with your REALTOR®. Understanding what you are signing — and what protections it includes — is essential before you authorize anyone to market your home.

What a listing agreement includes

An Alberta listing agreement (CREA's standard form, modified by CREB for Calgary transactions) covers:

Listing price: The asking price at which the property will be marketed. This can be adjusted during the listing term by mutual agreement.
Commission: The total commission percentage (listing brokerage + buyer's brokerage split). Commission is typically expressed as a percentage of the sale price, paid on completion.
Term: The duration of the exclusive listing period — typically 90 to 180 days in Calgary.
Holdover clause: If the property sells within a specified period after the listing expires to a buyer who was introduced during the listing term, the commission is still payable.
Seller's representations: The seller's statements about the property — ownership, encumbrances, known defects.
Marketing authorizations: Permission for MLS listing, photography, sign placement, lockbox installation, and virtual tours.

Who must sign

All registered owners must sign the listing agreement. If the property is jointly owned by a married couple, both spouses sign — even if both names are on title for different legal reasons. A sole-titled owner must also obtain Dower Consent from their spouse (or adult interdependent partner) before the listing agreement is effective. Ryan confirms ownership structure and Dower status before any listing is prepared.

Seller protection clauses

The listing agreement is primarily drafted in the brokerage's interest. Sellers should pay attention to: the holdover clause (can prevent you from selling to someone you met through the listing without paying commission); the commission structure on a seller-found buyer; and whether the agreement is exclusively with one agent or one brokerage. Ryan's listings explicitly address each of these points before signing.

Terminating a listing

Once signed, a listing agreement is a binding contract. If you want to cancel before the term expires, most brokerages will release you — but they are not obligated to do so without cause. If you are dissatisfied with your agent's performance, raise the issue with the managing broker first.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a typical listing agreement in Calgary?

Most Calgary listing agreements run 90 to 180 days. Ryan typically recommends a 90-day initial term — sufficient for a well-priced, well-presented property to sell — with an option to extend if market conditions warrant. Avoid listing agreements shorter than 60 days in a slower market, as insufficient time can lead to premature price reductions.

Can I cancel a listing agreement in Alberta?

Most CREB brokerages will release a seller from a listing agreement on request, but they are not legally required to do so without cause. If the listing agent has fulfilled their marketing obligations, cancelling mid-term may still trigger the holdover clause if the property sells to a buyer introduced during the listing period.

What is the holdover clause in a listing agreement?

The holdover clause provides that if the property sells within a specified period after the listing expires (typically 60–120 days) to a buyer who was introduced to the property during the listing term, the commission is still payable. This prevents a seller from waiting for the listing to expire and then selling directly to a buyer the agent found, avoiding the commission.

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Calgary REALTOR® specialising in divorce, estate, and upsizing transactions. Free consultation — no obligation.

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This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified Alberta lawyer or accountant for advice specific to your situation.