Which listing type guarantees the broker a commission no matter who procures the buyer?

• A. Net Listing
• B. Exclusive Agency Listing
• C. Exclusive Right to Sell
• D. Open Listing

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how the contract assigns the right to a commission. An exclusive right to sell gives the listing broker the sole right to market the property and, crucially, a commission if the property sells during the listing period, regardless of who actually brings the buyer. So even if the seller finds a buyer or another broker brings one, the original listing broker still earns the commission because the contract guarantees it for any sale during the term.

Other listing types don’t guarantee payment in all scenarios. A net listing centers on the seller’s net amount, with the broker’s compensation being whatever remains after the net to seller is set—that arrangement isn’t a guaranteed commission and can cause disputes. An exclusive agency listing allows the seller to find a buyer without owing the broker a commission, unless the broker procures the buyer. An open listing lets multiple brokers market the property, but only the broker who procures the buyer earns a commission, meaning if the seller finds the buyer themselves, there may be no payout.