an oregon real estate agent listing agreement authorizes a broker to list, market, and sell real estate on behalf of a seller (principal) in exchange for compensation or commission. a real estate agent bound to a listing agreement must always keep the principal’s best interests in mind and shall present any and all offers from prospective buyers to their client.

(revised 11/94) while offers of compensation made by listing brokers to cooperating brokers through mls are unconditional,* a listing broker’s obligation to compensate a cooperating broker who was the procuring cause of sale (or lease) may be excused if it is determined through arbitration that, through no fault of the listing broker and in the exercise of good faith and reasonable care, it was impossible or financially unfeasible for the listing broker to collect a commission pursuant to the listing agreement.