Before a buyer makes an offer, the owner may engage a brokerage through a listing agreement. This contract defines the brokerage's employment and specified services. Follow the connection from owner, through the listing contract, to brokerage. Read the duration, services, and compensation terms. Fees and services are negotiable. Keep the listing separate from the purchase contract. The listing establishes the brokerage engagement. A buyer's purchase contract establishes the sale terms. Different listing types also use different compensation triggers. Quick check: does signing a listing agreement itself transfer the owner's title to a buyer? No. The listing creates the brokerage engagement; it is not the deed conveying title.