Upon signing a listing contract with the seller wishing to sell the real estate, the brokerage attempts to earn a commission by finding a buyer for the sellers' property for highest possible price on the best terms for the seller. In Canada, most provinces' laws require the real estate agent to forward all written offers to the seller for consideration or review.To help accomplish this goal of finding buyers, a real estate agency commonly does the following.

Listing the property for sale to the public, often on a Multiple Listing Service, in addition to any other methods.Based on the law in several states, providing the seller with a real property condition disclosure form, and other forms which may be needed.Preparing necessary papers describing the property for advertising, pamphlets, open houses, etc.Generally placing a "For Sale" sign on the property indicating how to contact the real estate office and agent.Advertising the property. Advertising is often the biggest outside expense in listing a property.

In some cases, holding an Open house to show the property.Being a contact person available to answer any questions about the property and to schedule showing appointmentsEnsuring buyers are prescreened so that they are financially qualified to buy the property; the more highly financially qualified the buyer is, the more likely the closing will succeed.Negotiating price on behalf of the sellers. The seller's agent acts as a fiduciary for the seller. This may involve preparing a standard real estate purchase contract by filling in the blanks in the contract form.

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Although there can be other ways of doing business, a real estate brokerage usually earns its commission after the real estate broker and a seller enter into a listing contract and fulfill agreed-upon terms specified within that contract. The seller's real estate is then listed for sale, frequently with property data entered into a Multiple Listing Service in addition to any other ways of advertising or promoting the sale of the property. In most of North America, where brokers are members of a national association (such as NAR in the United States or the Canadian Real Estate Association), a listing agreement or contract between broker and seller must include the following

In some cases, holding an earnest payment cheque in escrow from the buyer(s) until the closing. In many states, the closing is the meeting between the buyer and seller where the property is transferred and the title is conveyed by a deed. In other states, especially those in the West, closings take place during a defined escrow period when buyers and sellers each sign the appropriate papers transferring title, but do not meet each other. This is an Agreement whereby the property is available for sale by any real estate professional who can advertise, show, or negotiate the sale. Whoever first brings an acceptable offer would receive compensation. Real estate companies will typically require that a written agreement for an open listing be signed by the seller to ensure the payment of a commission if a sale should take place.