Historically unethical buyers and sellers have tried to bypass the broker or agent in an attempt to “get their cake and eat it too.”  Wording within the average listing agreement includes a clause that requires the seller to pay the agreed to commission if a home is sold to a buyer who visited the property during the term of the agreement.  In addition, in many states, the listing agreement may include a clause, which holds the seller responsible for reimbursement to the broker, or agent for all advertising funds disbursed by the agent while holding the listing, should the agreement expire without the home being sold and the seller decide to hire another firm to market the property.