Why are sellers willing to sign options with wholesalers?

[Pamela Rickey]

I just finished reading Mark Evan's book on Virtual Real Estate Investing (i.e. wholesaling) and am am puzzled about one thing. Mr. Evan talks about having a homeowner sign an option agreement, preferably for three years. What would the motivation be for a homeowner to sign a three year option? What do they get out of it? Wouldn't they be better off just listing with a realtor?

Also, I am wondering if a real estate license is needed to wholesale. Or, does holding an option on the property negate the need for the license. Does it work differently in different states? I am in Indiana.