exclusive right to sell

Definition

A listing agreement guaranteeing the agent gets paid commission regardless of who finds the buyer—even if it's you. It's the real estate equivalent of a no-compete clause, except you're competing against yourself.

Example Usage

She signed an exclusive right to sell agreement, meaning the broker would earn commission even if her cousin bought the house.

Origin

Standard listing contract type formalized in mid-20th century professional real estate practices

Fun Fact

This differs from 'exclusive agency' where owners can sell themselves commission-free, a distinction that has spawned thousands of confused sellers.

Source: Real estate brokerage and agency terminology

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