North Dakota Real Estate Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The exclusive right to sell listing agreement guarantees that the broker will be compensated for their services regardless of who ultimately sells the property, whether it's the broker, the owner, or another agent. This type of agreement provides a strong incentive for the broker to fully market the property and seek buyers since their commission is assured as long as the property sells during the term of the agreement.

In contrast, an open listing only provides a commission to the broker who brings in the buyer, meaning the property owner is free to work with multiple brokers or sell the property themselves without owing a commission to any of the brokers. The exclusive agency listing allows the owner to sell the property themselves without paying the broker, thereby not guaranteeing payment to the broker if the owner finds a buyer independently. A net listing is based on the price the seller wants to receive, with the broker’s commission being whatever amount is above that agreed price; it does not inherently guarantee payment under all circumstances.

Thus, the exclusive right to sell is the only arrangement among these options that ensures the broker's payment is protected regardless of who completes the sale.