Which type of agreement ensures payment regardless of the outcome of the transaction?

The exclusive right to sell agreement guarantees that the listing broker will receive a commission regardless of who sells the property, whether it's the broker, the owner, or another broker. This type of agreement establishes a clear and binding contract where the broker has the exclusive authority to sell the property and is entitled to compensation for their efforts.

In an exclusive right to sell situation, the broker is incentivized to put forth maximum effort in marketing and negotiating the property because their commission is secure as long as the sale occurs during the agreement's term. This arrangement provides a level of security and motivation for the broker, which can lead to more proactive sales strategies.

In contrast, exclusive agency agreements allow the property owner to sell the property without paying a commission to the broker if they find a buyer themselves, leading to potential conflicts and less incentive for the broker. Open listings are also non-exclusive and allow multiple brokers to list the property, meaning payment only goes to the broker who sells it, not ensuring the same level of commitment. Net listings, on the other hand, are based on the seller receiving a specific net amount from the sale and the broker keeping anything above that, but they do not assure payment if the property doesn't sell at a designated price.