Dear Monica: I am about to list my property for sale but I want to stipulate a few things.  Can I tailor it to my needs?  Alice G.

Dear Alice: A listing agreement is a contract with your broker and you may tailor it to fit your specific circumstances.  If you want to exclude certain furnishings from the sale, you may stipulate this.  You may do the same with a buyer you want to allow to make an offer without using your realtor but you will need a time limit during which this must occur or else it will expire.  You can agree not to publicize your property on MLS or other outlet.

Some things are mandated by law e.g., liquidated damages for residential properties of 1-4 units which are limited to 3% of purchase price.  Your realtor will advise you on permitted changes to the standard agreement.