Exclusive Right to Sell Listing
An exclusive right to sell listing is a listing agreement where one broker has the exclusive right to sell the property and earns the commission regardless of who finds the buyer, including the seller.
Exam Tip
Exclusive right to sell = agent gets commission NO MATTER WHO sells (even if seller finds buyer). Most common listing type. Must have expiration date.
What is an Exclusive Right to Sell Listing?
An exclusive right to sell listing is the most common and comprehensive type of listing agreement. It grants one broker the exclusive right to market and sell the property, with the commission guaranteed regardless of who actually finds the buyer.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exclusive Right | Only one broker represents seller |
| Guaranteed Commission | Broker paid no matter who finds buyer |
| Maximum Marketing | Agent has incentive to invest in marketing |
| MLS Required | Property typically listed on MLS |
Why Agents Prefer This Listing
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Protected Commission | No risk of seller finding own buyer |
| Worth Investment | Justifies spending on marketing |
| Clear Terms | No disputes over who found buyer |
| Full Effort | Agent gives maximum effort |
Comparison of Listing Types
| Listing Type | Commission Guarantee | Agent Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Open Listing | None | Low |
| Exclusive Agency | Only if agent sells | Medium |
| Exclusive Right to Sell | Always | High |
Required Elements
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Property Description | Legal description and address |
| Listing Price | Agreed asking price |
| Commission Rate | Percentage or flat fee |
| Expiration Date | When agreement ends |
| Broker Authority | Marketing permissions |
Protection Clause
Most exclusive right to sell listings include a protection period (also called safety clause or extender clause):
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Duration | Typically 30-180 days after expiration |
| Protection | Broker gets commission if buyer they showed purchases |
| Requirement | Broker must provide list of shown buyers |
Commission Scenarios
| Scenario | Commission Owed |
|---|---|
| Broker finds buyer | Full commission |
| Seller finds buyer | Full commission |
| Another agent finds buyer | Commission split |
| No sale during term | No commission |
Exam Alert
Exclusive right to sell = broker gets paid NO MATTER WHO finds the buyer, even the seller. This is the most common listing type and provides the most protection for brokers. Always contains an expiration date (required by law in most states).
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Related Terms
Exclusive Agency Listing
Real EstateAn exclusive agency listing is a listing agreement where one broker has the exclusive right to market the property, but the seller retains the right to sell the property themselves without owing a commission.
Open Listing
Real EstateAn open listing is a non-exclusive listing agreement where the property owner can hire multiple brokers simultaneously, with only the broker who procures the buyer earning a commission.