📄 What Is an Exclusive Agency Listing Agreement?

An Exclusive Agency listing agreement is a contract where a seller hires one broker to market the property—but the seller retains the right to find their own buyer without owing commission. It blends agent support with FSBO flexibility.

How an Exclusive Agency Agreement Works

The broker lists the home on the MLS and may assist with marketing, but unlike full-commission listing contracts, the seller keeps the right to independently locate a buyer and avoid paying the listing agent’s fee.

The broker earns commission only if:

  • The listing agent brings the buyer
  • Another agent brings the buyer through the MLS
  • The buyer comes from the broker’s marketing efforts

No commission is owed if the seller directly finds the buyer—a core feature that makes this agreement popular among cost-conscious homeowners.

Key Features of Exclusive Agency

  • Only one broker is authorized to list and market the property
  • Sellers can avoid commission by procuring the buyer themselves
  • MLS exposure without full-service fees
  • Less restrictive than Exclusive Right to Sell agreements
  • Works well for experienced sellers who are comfortable communicating with buyers

Example of Exclusive Agency in Action

A homeowner lists with a broker under an Exclusive Agency agreement. The broker posts the home on the MLS, but the seller finds a buyer through a neighborhood referral. Since the buyer did not come from MLS or the agent’s marketing, no listing commission is owed.

Why Exclusive Agency Appeals to FSBO Sellers

  • Allows MLS exposure while keeping the option to sell independently
  • Reduces commission risk compared to traditional listings
  • Ideal for sellers confident they can generate interest directly
  • Pairs naturally with Flat Fee MLS services like Brokerless

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