What responsibility does a seller have when entering into an exclusive right to sell listing?

When a seller enters into an exclusive right to sell listing agreement, they are committing to a relationship with a brokerage that allows that firm to act on their behalf in the sale of the property. One of the fundamental responsibilities in such an agreement is for the seller to pay the brokerage a commission upon the successful sale of the property.

This commission is typically a percentage of the sale price and is agreed upon in the listing agreement. The exclusive right to sell listing assures the brokerage that they will be compensated for their services regardless of who brings the buyer—whether it's the brokerage itself, another agent, or the seller on their own. This aligns the brokerage's interests with those of the seller, as the brokerage is motivated to market and sell the property effectively.

The requirement to pay a commission provides the incentive for the brokerage to fully commit their resources and efforts toward the sale, including marketing, negotiating, and navigating the complexities of the real estate transaction. It establishes a clear financial obligation that reinforces the contractual relationship between the seller and the brokerage.