An offer by a listing broker to split a commission with a cooperating broker through the multiple listing system is classified as what type of agreement?

The correct answer relates to the nature of how real estate commission splits are typically communicated and formalized within the framework of a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). In this context, when a listing broker offers to split a commission with a cooperating broker, it constitutes an express unilateral agreement.

An express unilateral agreement arises when one party makes a promise that is clear and specific to another party, which in this case is the offer made by the listing broker to the cooperating broker regarding the commission split. The listing broker is openly stating the terms under which they are willing to compensate the cooperating broker, which makes the agreement clear and explicit. This specificity helps in establishing the conditions under which both parties will operate, thereby allowing the cooperating broker to understand the benefits of bringing a buyer to the table.

The classification as a unilateral agreement is particularly important because it highlights that only one party (the listing broker) has made a promise concerning compensation. The cooperating broker does not have to provide anything in return to "accept" the commission split offer; they simply need to find a buyer as per the listing broker's request or terms.

In contrast, the other choices such as implied agreements, verbal agreements, or written agreements do not accurately capture the explicit nature of the offer made by the