What term do brokers use to refer to the marketing of a property for sale?

Brokers refer to the marketing of a property for sale as a "listing." This term encompasses the process of formally marketing and advertising a property that a seller wishes to sell. When a property is listed, the broker typically creates a detailed description of the property, sets a price, and may provide professional photographs. This listing is then disseminated through various channels, including real estate websites, brochures, and multiple listing services (MLS), to attract potential buyers.

Listing a property is a critical part of a broker's responsibilities, as it helps showcase the property to the market and plays a significant role in facilitating the sale. In contrast, the other terms—such as bid, offer, or contract—refer to related but distinct aspects of real estate transactions. A bid is usually associated with an auction or competitive offering process, an offer is the proposal made by a potential buyer to purchase the property, and a contract is a formal agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the sale once an offer is accepted. Thus, "listing" specifically identifies the marketing phase initiated by the broker.