Which listing type guarantees the broker a commission regardless of who sells the property?

• A. Exclusive listing
• B. Net listing
• C. Open listing
• D. Exclusive right to sell

Answer: (D)

The listing type that guarantees the broker a commission no matter who sells is the exclusive right to sell. In this arrangement the broker has the sole right to market the property and, crucially, earns a commission if the property sells during the listing period regardless of who finds the buyer—whether it’s the seller, another broker, or the listing broker themselves. This guarantees the broker’s payoff because the sale triggers the commission by virtue of the contract, not by who brings in the buyer. Other listing types don’t offer that blanket protection: open listings rely on the procuring broker who actually brings the buyer; exclusive agency listings can allow the seller to avoid paying if they themselves find the buyer; net listings tie the broker’s pay to a net amount rather than guaranteeing a set commission.