What is the difference between "exclusive right to sell" and "exclusive agency" listings?

The distinction between "exclusive right to sell" and "exclusive agency" listings is an important concept in real estate. When a property is listed with an exclusive right to sell, the listing agent obtains a guarantee of commission regardless of who facilitates the sale, whether it's the agent themselves or another party. This means that if the property sells while under this agreement, the homeowner is obligated to pay the commission to the listing agent, even if the buyer found the property without the agent's assistance.

In contrast, an exclusive agency listing permits the homeowner to sell the property independently without being liable to pay a commission, provided the buyer does not come through the agent. Therefore, if the homeowner directly sells the property, they avoid paying the commission to the agent, reinforcing the exclusivity of the agent only in scenarios where they actively participate in the sale.

Understanding this context highlights why the correct answer emphasizes the commission guarantee inherent in an exclusive right to sell agreement. This characteristic distinguishes it from exclusive agency listings and impacts how agents approach their sales strategies and negotiations.