- Exclusive right to sell : If the agreement is between a seller and a broker, it could include the exclusive right to sell, thereby giving the chosen firm or agent the sole right to sell the property.
- Buyer-broker exclusivity : Buyer-broker exclusivity in an exclusive agency agreement means that a buyer will only work with the firm or agent the buyer chose. The buyer cannot change or look for other firms and agents to work with.
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263 projects on CC CC verifiedShould You Sign an Exclusive Agency Agreement?
Before deciding if an exclusive agency listing is right for you, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the agreement.
Advantages of Exclusive Agency Listings
- Save Money : This type of listing can help you save money. If you find a buyer independently for your home and sell the property, you will not pay any commission to the real estate firm or agent.
- Better Relationships with your Agent : Since an exclusive agency agreement gives the agent the right to exclusively market your property, greater trust is established between you and your agent, which can create a better working relationship.
Disadvantages of Exclusive Agency Listings
- Agent Motivation : If commission is not guaranteed, an agent might not be motivated to market and sell the property as much as if it were. You may also create a sense of security for the listing agent, as opposed to hiring multiple that may work harder to create a sale.
- More work for seller : Since the agent might not be motivated, there would be more work for you, or the seller, to market and sell your home.
You can compare the pros and cons of an exclusive right agreement before deciding which would be the best fit for you. Here are some pros and cons of an exclusive right agreement:
Advantages of Exclusive Right Listings
- Motivated Agent: Since the contract has a fixed term and the agent will earn a commission under an exclusive right to sell agreement, they are more likely to be motivated to find and sell the property.
- Multiple Listing Service: In order to sell the property quickly, the agent is more likely to use multiple listing services to provide exposure.
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Disadvantages of Exclusive Right Listings
- Cancellation policy of the contract: Some contracts do not allow cancellation mid-term. Read through the agreement before signing.
- Pay Commissions Regardless: You may be able to find your own homebuyer but still be required to pay the agent commissions for the sale.
Want to know if an exclusive right listing is a better fit for you? Here is an article comparing the pros and cons of exclusive right listings.
Before signing an exclusive agency, agreement make sure to read thoroughly and ask questions. Do the following before signing an exclusive agency agreement:
- Inquire about a shorter term : If your contract seems too long, you can negotiate the term of the contract.
- Ask for a trial run: Before handing off your house to an agency, you might want to go for a trial run to ensure they are fit to sell your house. You can also ask your firm or agent for a trial run before signing an exclusive agency agreement to ensure you can work well with your firm or agent.
- Read the fine print : You will want to ensure that all clauses are agreed upon in the agreement. If there are provisions and conditions to any services being offered by the firm, be sure to read through them before signing the contract.
You can find templates online to draw up your own exclusive agency agreement. However, it is advised to consult a real estate professional to ensure a smooth deal.
Get Help with a Buying Agency Agreement
Do you have any questions about buying agency agreement and want to speak to an expert? Post a project today on ContractsCounsel and receive bids from real estate lawyers who specialize in real estate law.
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
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Business Lawyer Free Consultation Portland, OR 8 Yrs Experience Licensed in OR, WA Lewis & Clark Law SchoolJason is a self-starting, go-getting lawyer who takes a pragmatic approach to helping his clients. He co-founded Fortify Law because he was not satisfied with the traditional approach to providing legal services. He firmly believes that legal costs should be predictable, transparent and value-driven. Jason’s entrepreneurial mindset enables him to better understand his clients’ needs. His first taste of entrepreneurship came from an early age when he helped manage his family’s small free range cattle farm. Every morning, before school, he would deliver hay to a herd of 50 hungry cows. In addition, he was responsible for sweeping "the shop" at his parent's 40-employee HVAC business. Before becoming a lawyer, he clerked at the Lewis & Clark Small Business Legal Clinic where he handled a diverse range of legal issues including establishing new businesses, registering trademarks, and drafting contracts. He also spent time working with the in-house team at adidas® where, among other things, he reviewed and negotiated complex agreements and created training materials for employees. He also previously worked with Meriwether Group, a Portland-based business consulting firm focused on accelerating the growth of disruptive consumer brands and facilitating founder exits. These experiences have enabled Jason to not only understand the unique legal hurdles that can threaten a business, but also help position them for growth. Jason's practice focuses on Business and Intellectual Property Law, including: -Reviewing and negotiating contracts -Resolving internal corporate disputes -Creating employment and HR policies -Registering and protecting intellectual property -Forming new businesses and subsidiaries -Facilitating Business mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategies -Conducting international business transactions In his free time, Jason is an adventure junkie and gear-head. He especially enjoys backpacking, kayaking, and snowboarding. He is also a technology enthusiast, craft beer connoisseur, and avid soccer player.
