If you’re looking to grow your real estate business, open listings might be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. While they often don’t get as much attention as exclusive listings, they can be a great way to expand your real estate listing opportunities, build relationships, and close more deals—especially if you’re a newer agent trying to get your foot in the door.
In this article, we’ll break down what open listings are, the types you might come across, and how you can find and use them to grow your business. We’ll also dive into how you can work with FSBO (For Sale by Owner) sellers and turn their properties into open listing opportunities.
What Exactly Is an Open Listing?
In real estate, an open listing is a non-exclusive agreement. This means a property owner can work with multiple agents at the same time, and the agent who brings the buyer and closes the deal is the one who gets the commission. No exclusivity, no strings attached.
Open listings are popular with FSBO sellers—homeowners who are trying to sell their property without committing to a single agent. They’re also used in some commercial real estate deals or by owners who want maximum exposure without locking into a contract with just one agent.
Why Should You Care About Open Listings?
For agents, especially newer ones, open listings can be a great way to get more experience, grow your network, and, yes, make some money. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- More inventory to work with: You’re not limited to properties you have exclusive rights to, which gives your buyers more options.
- Low commitment: You don’t have to invest as much upfront as you would with an exclusive listing.
- Great for networking: Open listings often involve connecting with FSBO sellers or other agents, which can help you build relationships.
- Good for gaining experience: If you’re just starting out, working on open listings can help you learn the ropes, get familiar with the market, and build your portfolio.
Types of Open Listings
Not all open listings are the same. Here are some common types you’ll run into:
FSBO Open Listings
This is the most common type. FSBO sellers aren’t ready to commit to a single agent but are often open to letting you bring a buyer. These agreements are usually pretty casual—sometimes just a verbal agreement or a simple email exchange.
Multi-Agent Listings
Here, the property owner works with several agents to market and sell the property. Whoever closes the deal first gets the commission. It can be a bit of a free-for-all, so speed and strategy matter.
Commercial Open Listings
In commercial real estate, some owners list properties openly, especially when looking for investors or quick sales. These listings often require more negotiation but can lead to big wins if you know the right buyers.
How to Find Open Listings
Finding open listings takes a mix of research, networking, and good old-fashioned hustle. Once you sign-up for open listings with MyState MLS, here are additional ways to hit the ground running:
Look for FSBO Sellers
FSBO sellers are a goldmine for open listings. They’re trying to save on commission but are usually open to agents bringing buyers. Here’s how to connect with them:
- Check FSBO Websites: Platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, and local real estate classifieds often have FSBO listings.
- Drive Around: Those “For Sale by Owner“ signs in front yards are an opportunity waiting for you to take action.
- Reach Out Directly: Don’t be afraid to call or knock on doors (politely, of course).
Network with Other Agents
Other agents can be a great source of open listings, especially those who focus on different niches or territories.
- Join MyState MLS, sign-up to access open listing opportunities.
- Join local real estate associations or networking groups.
- Attend open houses or broker caravans to build connections.
- Ask agents in your office if they have properties they’d be willing to share.
Work with Property Investors
Real estate investors are often open to flexible arrangements since they’re focused on turning over properties quickly.
- Go to local investment meetups or networking events.
- Offer to help investors market their properties to your buyer network.
How to Turn FSBO Properties into Open Listings
FSBO sellers can be skeptical of agents, but with the right approach, you can build trust and turn their property into an open listing. Here’s how:
Understand Their Goals
Figure out why they’re going FSBO. Are they trying to save money? Do they think selling is easy? Are they in a rush to sell? Once you know their motivation, you can tailor your approach.
Build a Relationship
Don’t come in with a hard sell. Start by offering value—maybe a free market analysis or tips on staging their home. Show them you’re there to help, not just make a commission.
Explain the Benefits of an Open Listing
Many FSBO sellers don’t realize how much exposure they can get by working with an agent. Explain how an open listing works:
- They don’t have to commit exclusively.
- It’s a win-win—you only get paid if you bring a buyer.
- You’ll handle marketing, showings, and negotiations, saving them time and stress.
Keep It Simple
FSBO sellers are often turned off by complicated agreements, so make it easy for them. A straightforward email or one-page agreement outlining your commission and responsibilities can do the trick.
Best Practices for Working with Open Listings
To succeed with open listings, you’ll need to be strategic and proactive. Here are some tips:
- Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Not every open listing is worth your time. Look for properties that are priced right and have a good chance of selling.
- Be Quick: With multiple agents working on the same property, speed is everything. Respond to inquiries fast and follow up with interested buyers right away.
- Market Smart: Even though open listings are non-exclusive, treat them like they are. Use professional photos, write compelling descriptions, and market the property aggressively.
- Communicate Clearly: Keep the property owner in the loop about what you’re doing. Even with open listings, sellers appreciate transparency and effort.
The Potential Challenges of Open Listings
It’s not all smooth sailing. Open listings have their downsides, and it’s essential to be aware of them:
- Competition: You’re up against other agents, so you might lose out on a deal even if you’ve put in work.
- Less Control: You don’t have much say in pricing or marketing decisions.
- Uncertain Payoff: You only get paid if you’re the one who closes the deal, so there’s no guaranteed return on your time and effort.
Are Open Listings Really Worth It?
Absolutely! Open listings can be a fantastic way to grow your real estate business, especially if you’re looking for low-risk, high-reward opportunities. They allow you to gain experience, expand your inventory, and build valuable relationships without the pressure of exclusivity. Whether you’re a new agent or an experienced pro, tapping into open listings can keep your pipeline flowing and boost your bottom line.
One of the best ways to make the most of open listings is by using platforms designed to connect agents with these opportunities. For example, My State MLS offers a specialized service for advertising open listings. It’s a one-stop resource where agents can find open listings ready to be marketed, giving you access to a wider range of properties and motivated sellers.
By leveraging tools like My State MLS, you can streamline your search for open listings and focus on what you do best—closing deals and growing your business. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore their platform and take your open listing game to the next level!
