agency
protection period
A protection period, also called a safety or carryover clause, is a provision in a listing or buyer agreement that entitles the broker to a commission if the property is sold, within a set time after the agreement expires, to someone the broker introduced during the agreement term. It prevents parties from waiting out the agreement to avoid paying a fee. Many such clauses do not apply if the owner has relisted with another broker.
- Exam tip
- Exams test that the buyer must have been introduced during the listing term. Often the clause is void if the seller signs a new exclusive listing.
- Example
- A listing with a 90-day protection period expires June 1. On July 15 the seller sells to a buyer the broker had shown in May, so the broker earns the commission.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
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Last verified: 2026-10-23