Exclusive Right to Sell vs. Exclusive Agency
Both Exclusive Right to Sell and Exclusive Agency agreements give one broker the authority to list your home—but they differ in how commission is earned. Understanding the distinction helps FSBO sellers choose the right path to save on fees and maintain control.
💡 Exclusive Right to Sell
Under an Exclusive Right to Sell agreement, the listing broker earns a commission regardless of who finds the buyer—even if the seller finds the buyer themselves. This is the most common listing type used by full-service agents.
- Broker has full marketing control
- Commission owed no matter who sells the property
- Offers maximum agent incentive—but least flexibility for sellers
✅ Exclusive Agency
An Exclusive Agency agreement also gives one broker the right to represent your property—but if the seller personally finds a buyer, no commission is owed. This hybrid model gives sellers partial flexibility.
- Broker markets your home on MLS and online
- No commission if the seller secures the buyer
- Common in limited-service or flat fee MLS arrangements
📍 Which Agreement Is Better for FSBO Sellers?
For sellers who want to control the sale and avoid paying full commission, an Exclusive Agency or Flat Fee MLS arrangement through Brokerless provides the best balance. You stay in charge of negotiations while gaining MLS exposure to thousands of buyer agents.