A valid listing is not simply a property you are aware of. It is a property you are authorized to represent.
There are three primary forms of listing relationship:
- Open listing — non-exclusive, often informal
- Sole agency — limited exclusivity, typically time-bound
- Direct / exclusive mandate — required for NLS Verified status
Key rule: If you don’t control the listing, you shouldn’t be marketing it.
Disclaimer: NLS Verification, Certification, and Accreditation are private professional designations issued by TheNLS.com. They are not government licenses, public regulatory approvals, colegio memberships, or official state certifications.