If a property is sold by anyone other than the exclusive broker, what is the obligation of the seller towards the broker?

When a property is sold by anyone other than the exclusive broker, the seller typically remains obligated to pay the full commission to the broker. This obligation arises from the terms of the exclusive listing agreement, which outlines the broker's right to earn a commission regardless of who ultimately sells the property, as long as the sale occurs within the listing period.

The exclusive agreement establishes that the broker has invested time and resources into marketing the property, and their right to a commission is secured by the contractual arrangement made with the seller. Even if another party sells the property, the broker has fulfilled their part of the agreement by bringing the property to the market and facilitating the transaction.

Understanding this contractual relationship is essential for both sellers and brokers, as it emphasizes the importance of adhering to the terms laid out in the listing agreement, thus protecting the broker's commission rights throughout the sale process.