With the uptick in real estate activity it is helpful to recap the two primary ways that a licensed sales agent is entitled to a commission from the sale of real estate.
Contract
Most agents have their clients execute a listing agreement, which primarily comes in two forms and entitles the agent to a commission in different contexts.
Generally, the exclusive right to sell agreement entitles an agent to a commission irrespective of who sells the property. For instance, an owner who executes an exclusive right to sell agreement and consummates a sale to a buyer without the aid of the agent is still obligated to pay the commission. Intuitively, an owner might think that once the contract expires without the agent procuring a buyer, the agent’s right to a commission is extinguished. However, most exclusive right to sell agreements contain “protection period” provisions that extend the agent’s right to a commission for a certain number of months after expiration of the agreement. These provisions trigger the agent’s right to a commission if a sale is consummated with a buyer whom the agent or seller communicated with (regarding the property) while the listing agreement was in effect.
The second type of agreement is the exclusive agency agreement. Contrary to the exclusive right to sell agreement, this contract simply means the owner will not enlist another agent to sell the property. These agreements normally do not entitle the agent to a commission unless the agent procures a ready, willing and able buyer. Thus, an owner who consummates a sale without the agent’s aid is not obligated to pay the agent a commission.