Which listing type allows the owner to personally sell the property and avoid paying a commission to the listing broker?

• A. Open listing
• B. Exclusive right of sale listing
• C. Exclusive agency listing
• D. Net listing

Answer: (C)

In this type of listing, the seller is allowed to sell the property themselves without owing a commission to the listing broker. The key is who brings the buyer: if the owner finds a buyer, no commission goes to the broker; if a broker procures a buyer, that broker earns the commission. An exclusive agency setup gives the seller this flexibility with a single listing broker who would still earn a fee if they themselves bring in a buyer. This matches the scenario where the owner can personally sell and avoid paying the listing broker's commission.

For context, other arrangements work differently: exclusive right of sale guarantees the broker a commission no matter who finds the buyer, and an open listing can involve multiple brokers with commission due to the procuring broker. Net listings set a net amount to the seller and the broker’s compensation is the difference, which can also lead to different payment expectations.