Which listing gives the broker exclusive right to sell the property, regardless of who finds the buyer?

• A. Exclusive Right to Sell
• B. Open Listing
• C. Joint Listings
• D. Net Listing Clause

Answer: (A)

When a listing is an exclusive right to sell, the broker is given the sole authority to market the property for the duration of the listing and, crucially, earns a commission no matter who finds the buyer. This means even if the seller themselves or someone else brings in the buyer, the broker still gets paid. This arrangement protects the broker’s investment of time, advertising, showings, and negotiation efforts, because the broker has guaranteed compensation if a sale occurs during the listing period.

In contrast, an open listing allows multiple brokers to market the property and the seller can sell directly without owing a commission to the brokers who didn’t procure the buyer. A net listing, where the seller sets a minimum net amount and the broker keeps the difference, is different in principle and often restricted or discouraged due to ethical concerns. Joint listings involve multiple brokers sharing the listing, but do not inherently guarantee a commission regardless of who finds the buyer in the same clear way as an exclusive right to sell.