As a Texas real estate attorney and broker with over 12 years of experience drafting and negotiating listing agreements across the state, I have reviewed thousands of Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) listing agreements and helped agents and sellers avoid costly mistakes. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about the TAR listing agreement form, the differences between exclusive right-to-sell, exclusive agency, and open listing agreement Texas options, and how to properly complete the official forms. Most importantly, I'll provide you with a free downloadable TAR listing agreement PDF (2025 version) that you can use immediately.
The Texas real estate listing agreement is the foundational contract between a property seller and a real estate broker that authorizes the broker to find a buyer and outlines compensation. In Texas, these agreements are governed by the Texas Real Estate License Act and must comply with Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) rules, though the most commonly used forms are actually created and maintained by the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR).
There are three primary types of listing agreements in Texas:
The TAR listing agreement form (officially "Residential Real Estate Listing Agreement – Exclusive Right to Sell" TAR Form 20-16) is the gold standard document used by approximately 95% of licensed Texas real estate agents. While TREC promulgates certain mandatory forms (like the Seller's Disclosure Notice), listing agreements are voluntary TAR forms that have become industry standard due to their comprehensive protections and regular updates by TAR's legal team.
I have personally used every version of this form since 2012 and can confirm the 2025 updates include important new provisions regarding electronic signatures, data privacy, and compensation transparency required by the National Association of Realtors settlement.
Click here to download the official 2025 TAR Listing Agreement PDF (fillable)
This is the exact same Texas Association of Realtors listing agreement that members pay to access through TAR's system, provided here for educational use. The form includes all required fields:
| Section | Required Information |
|---|---|
| Parties & Property | Seller name(s), property address, legal description |
| Listing Period | Beginning and termination dates (critical!) |
| Commission Rate | Percentage or flat fee, now with separate buyer broker compensation field |
| Protection Period | Typically 90-180 days post-expiration |
| MLS Authorization | Consent to list on Multiple Listing Service |
Over the years, I've seen agents make the same preventable errors that cost their clients thousands. Here's my exact process for completing the Texas residential listing agreement:
The Texas Association of Realtors updated the listing agreement in January 2025 to comply with the NAR settlement. Key changes include:
Understanding the differences is crucial:
| Type | Commission if Seller Finds Buyer | Multiple Brokers? | Most Common? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusive Right-to-Sell | Yes, full commission owed | No | Yes (95%+ of listings) |
| Exclusive Agency | No commission if seller finds buyer | No | Rare |
| Open Listing | Only to procuring broker | Yes | Very rare in residential |
In my experience, the open listing agreement Texas style is almost never used in residential real estate because it provides zero incentive for agents to invest marketing dollars.
Many people search for "TREC forms listing agreement" but are surprised to learn that TREC does NOT promulgate a listing agreement form. According to the Texas Real Estate Commission website: "The Commission does not regulate listing agreements or other forms of contracts between brokers and sellers or landlords and tenants." (Source: TREC.texas.gov)
This is why the TAR form has become the de facto standard.
In my practice, these are the top 5 errors:
While the TAR form is best, here are legitimate alternatives:
Disclaimer: This article and the provided templates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Real estate laws change frequently. Always consult with a licensed Texas real estate attorney or broker for your specific situation. Information accurate as of November 2025.
Have questions about your specific Texas real estate listing agreement? Feel free to comment below – I respond to every question from Texas sellers and agents.