What characteristic distinguishes an exclusive-right-to-sell listing from other agreements?

An exclusive-right-to-sell listing is characterized by the seller's obligation to compensate the broker regardless of who ultimately sells the property. This means that even if the seller finds a buyer independently, they are still required to pay the broker a commission as stipulated in the listing agreement. This differentiates it significantly from other types of listing agreements, where the seller may have the option to sell the property independently without incurring a commission fee to the broker.

The focus of this arrangement is to incentivize a single broker to invest time and resources into marketing the property, knowing that they will be compensated for their efforts if the property sells, regardless of who brings the buyer. This arrangement thus provides the broker an exclusive right to earn a commission, reinforcing their motivation to actively promote the property. Other listing forms may allow for different outcomes regarding compensation based on who completes the sale, hence the distinct nature of the exclusive-right-to-sell agreement.