Quick Answer
Under an exclusive right to sell agreement, your brokerage is paid its commission if the home sells while the listing agreement is active, even if you find the buyer yourself. It's the most common type of listing agreement because it gives the brokerage full incentive to invest in marketing.
- Type of agreement
- Listing agreement
- Who earns commission
- The listing brokerage, regardless of who finds the buyer
- Most common in
- Nearly all traditional MLS listings
- Alternative types
- Exclusive agency, open listing (less common)
How It Differs From Other Listing Types
In an exclusive agency agreement, a seller who finds their own buyer can avoid paying a commission. Under exclusive right to sell, the brokerage is paid either way, which is why brokerages are generally willing to spend more on photography, marketing, and staging advice.
Most agents in Central Indiana, including Your Realty Link, use this agreement because it aligns everyone's incentives toward the same outcome: a successful sale.
What You Get in Return
In exchange for the guaranteed commission, sellers should expect real marketing: professional photos, MLS entry, showings coordination, and a pricing strategy backed by a comparative market analysis.
This is also the agreement type that gets your home into the MLS, syndicated search sites, and in front of every buyer's agent working in the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Exclusive right to sell
Can I still sell to a friend or family member myself?
Under an exclusive right to sell agreement, the brokerage is typically still owed its commission even if you find the buyer, so ask your agent how that scenario is handled before signing.
Is this the only type of listing agreement?
No, but it's by far the most common because it gives the brokerage the strongest incentive to market the home well.
How long does an exclusive right to sell agreement last?
The term is negotiated between the seller and brokerage and commonly runs a few months, though it varies.