Before accepting a listing, which consideration relates to the risk of payment?

• A. Is there any chance that I will not be paid my commission?
• B. Will the buyer pay all closing costs?
• C. Will the listing price be above market value?
• D. Should I reduce my commission upfront?

Answer: (A)

Payment risk is about whether you will actually receive your commission. When you accept a listing, your earnings come from the seller at closing, so any doubt about the seller honoring the commission arrangement directly affects your compensation. That’s why the primary consideration before accepting a listing is whether there is any chance you won’t be paid your commission—it's a clear measure of financial risk you face.

The other factors don’t address this risk as directly. Whether the buyer pays closing costs, whether the listing price is above market value, or whether you reduce your commission upfront touches on cost allocation, pricing strategy, or negotiation tactics, but they don’t speak to the certainty of receiving your payment for services.