Which listing is a violation of Minnesota license law?
Audio Lesson
Duration: 2:59
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
Net Listing
Multiple Listing
Multiple Listing is a cooperative service among real estate brokers that complies with Minnesota law and enhances market exposure for properties.
Exclusive Agency
Exclusive Agency listing is a lawful agreement where the seller pays commission only if the broker finds the buyer, while the seller retains the right to sell without commission.
Exclusive Right to Sell
Exclusive Right to Sell is a legal and common listing agreement where the broker earns commission regardless of who finds the buyer during the listing term.
Why is this correct?
CORRECT_ANSWER - Net listings are prohibited in Minnesota because they create a conflict of interest where the agent could benefit by selling below the owner's set price, potentially undermining the owner's best interests.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
Understanding prohibited listing types is crucial because it directly impacts agent conduct, consumer protection, and legal compliance. This question tests knowledge of Minnesota's specific regulations on listing agreements. The core concept is identifying which listing form violates state law. Net listings are illegal because they create a conflict of interest - the agent benefits by selling below the owner's set price. This differs from other listing types which have legitimate purposes. The question is challenging because it requires distinguishing between different listing types and knowing which are prohibited by state law. Many students memorize listing types without understanding the legal distinctions between them. This connects to broader real estate knowledge about agency relationships, consumer protection laws, and ethical practices that protect both buyers and sellers.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
Net listings are prohibited in most states including Minnesota because they create an inherent conflict of interest. In a net listing, the seller sets a minimum acceptable price (the 'net' amount), and anything above that becomes the agent's commission. This creates an incentive for the agent to push for a lower sale price to increase their commission. The Minnesota Real Estate License Act specifically prohibits this practice as it may encourage agents to act against their client's best interests. This regulation protects consumers from potential exploitation and ensures agents prioritize their clients' financial interests.
Think of a net listing like a fishing net with a hole in the bottom. The fish (money) slips through the hole to the agent while only the small fish (minimum price) reaches the seller.
When you see 'net listing' on the exam, visualize this image to remember it's prohibited because it allows money to 'leak' to the agent at the seller's expense.
Remember: 'Net listings are never acceptable' in Minnesota. Any listing agreement where the agent receives the excess above a set price is automatically prohibited.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
A homeowner tells their agent they need at least $250,000 from their home sale. The agent suggests a 'net listing' agreement, promising to find a buyer and keep any amount above $250,000 as commission. In Minnesota, this would be illegal because the agent might be tempted to accept a $260,000 offer (keeping $10,000) rather than negotiate for $275,000 (keeping $25,000), even though the seller would receive less money in the second scenario. This creates a fundamental conflict between the agent's financial interest and the seller's best interest.
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