Sample New York Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement

It’s critically important for home owners to review a sample New York Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement and understand the nuances of the obligations they are signing up for before agreeing to anything with a real estate listing broker.

The most important section of the agreement to fully understand is the section about broker commissions.

If you’re working with a traditional broker, you’ll notice that the language will stipulate that you will owe a typical real estate broker commission as long as a “ready, willing and able buyer” is procured at your listing price.

This needs to be carefully understood before you sign a New York Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement because it means even if you decide to back out you would still owe commission.

As referenced by the New York Department of State, there have been many instances where a broker has successfully sued a seller for a commission even though no closing took place.

Even though most traditional brokers will tell you that they would never do that because it’s bad for business and that this is boiler plate language that everyone signs, you should realize that you do have the right to negotiate the language within a New York Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement.

Here is an example of alternate language offered by our partner brokers which better protects home sellers by conditioning the receipt of commission on the actual closing of title or consummation of sale.

Note that commission rates are more flexible under this arrangement. This type of language allows our partner brokers to provide you with a Full Service for 1% listing arrangement.

Interested in learning more? Read our comprehensive guide on what to negotiate in an exclusive listing agreement with your real estate broker before you sign on the dotted line.

This is very important for many reasons. The primary danger to watch out for in a traditional New York Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement is that your listing price will be too easily hit by the first buyer that sees the apartment.

In this situation, you may be pressured to accept the offer and pay commission even if you would have received a higher price by staying on the market for longer.

No wonder traditional real estate brokers love to harp on about how important the initial listing price is. The lower the price, the sooner they can force you to pay them their commission!

Another reason the listing price must be mutually agreed upon by both the seller and broker is because the broker makes an upfront investment by listing the home.

This typically means covering the cost of professional photography, floor plan drawings and spending time showing the apartment and negotiating and coordinating with brokers and buyers.

Keep in mind, most listing agreements will have an expense reimbursement clause whereby expenses are to be reimbursed by the owner should the property not sell.

Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement

This Exclusive Right To Sell listing agreement for the Sale of Real Property is made on the first date below by and between:

• [ ] herein thereafter referred to as “Broker” and

• [ ] herein thereafter referred to as “Owner.”

1. OWNER’S AUTHORIZATION

   1. Owner grants to the Broker the Exclusive Right to Sell the property identified herein at a price and on the terms listed below or upon any other price, terms or exchange to which Owner may consent. Owner grants permission to Broker to post a sign or other form of advertisement on the property. Owner authorizes Broker to list the property on any and all available databases, real estate websites and website(s) of the Broker and/or affiliated parties and to cooperate with all other Brokers to secure a buyer or tenant as quickly as possible. Owner agrees to refer any and all inquiries about the property to the Broker.

   2. In order to facilitate the sale of the Listed Property, the Owner hereby grants to Broker a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, sublicense, publish, display, and reproduce any photographs, images, graphics, video recordings, virtual tours, drawings, diagrams, written descriptions, remarks, narratives, pricing information, and other copyrightable elements of or relating to the Listed Property provided by Owner to Broker. Owner represents and warrants to Broker that the Owner Listing Content, and the license granted to Broker for the Owner Listing Content, do not violate or infringe upon the rights, including any copyright rights, or any person or entity.

   3. Owner represents and warrants that he/she has received a copy of the “Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships.”

2. BROKER’S AUTHORITY

   1. Broker is licensed by New York State as a Licensed Real Estate Broker and will act as the specific agent of the Owner with respect to the negotiations of the sale of the property. Broker in consideration of this Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement, will develop an appropriate marketing approach for the sale of the property and utilize its best efforts to find a Purchaser for the listed premises. Broker may use the listing information and sale price and terms upon closing for Brokers Market Evaluation, Networking and Appraisal purposes, Marketing Purposes and for disclosing to other persons or entities as Broker may deem desirable.

   2. Broker’s firm represents both Owners and Buyers. This means that it is possible that a buyer the Broker represents will want to purchase or lease a property owned by a Owner the Broker represents. A real estate firm or agent may represent more than one party in the same transaction known as “Dual Agency” only with the knowledge and informed consent of all parties for whom the agent acts. Owner acknowledges Broker may act as a “Dual Agent.” In the event a Buyer Client is interested in Owner’s property, Owner and Buyer will be promptly notified and mutual consent by both clients will be required before proceeding with such proposed transactions. If mutual consent is not obtained from all parties, where a buyer client selects the listed property, the listing will continue and the buyer client will be given the option to (I) select customer status as to the listed property, or (II) terminate the buyer agency agreement as to the listed property.

3. EXPLANATIONS

   1. EXPLANATION OF AN EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO SELL LISTING: An ”exclusive right to sell” listing means that if you, the owner of the property, find a buyer for your house, or if another broker finds a buyer, you must pay the agreed commission to the present broker.

   2. EXPLANATION OF AN EXCLUSIVE AGENCY LISTING: An ”exclusive agency” listing means that if you, the owner of the property, finds a buyer, you will not have to pay a commission to the broker. However, if another broker finds a buyer, you will owe a commission to both the selling broker and your present broker.

4. PROPERTY:

• ADDRESS: [ ]

• LISTING PRICE: $[ ]

5. TERMS OF AGREEMENT

   1. This Agreement shall begin upon execution of this Agreement. This Listing Agreement shall expire at 11:59 PM on dd/mm/yy

   2. EARLY TERMINATION – Owner agrees that if the Broker’s authority is terminated prior to the expiration of its term, the Broker shall retain its contract rights to a commission and recovery of advertising expenses and any other damages incurred by reason of said early termination of this agreement.

   3. “SALE” INCLUDES – As used in this Agreement, the term “sale” shall include a sale, exchange or transfer of the Property, and also the granting of an option to purchase, sell or transfer the Property. Owner agrees that in the event such an option is granted, Owner shall pay Broker and, if applicable, a Cooperating Broker, a sales commission in accordance with the Schedule on the price paid for the option and for any extension thereof. This commission shall be paid upon receipt by Owner of any such payment(s). In the event such an option is exercised, whether during the term or thereafter, Owner shall also pay Broker and, if applicable, a Cooperating Broker a sales commission on the gross sale price of the Property in accordance with the Schedule. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that all or part of the price paid for the option or any extension thereof is applied to the sales price of the Property, then any commission previously paid by Owner to Broker on account of such option payments shall be credited against the commission payable to Broker on account of the exercise of the option.

   4. SALE OR EXCHANGE BY OWNER: In the event of a sale or exchange of the Property, Owner shall obtain from the purchaser or assignee a signed Assumption Agreement in recordable form whereby such purchaser or assignee agrees to pay Broker and, if applicable, a Cooperating Broker all commissions payable hereunder and shall deliver a fully executed counterpart thereof to Broker on the date of closing of the sale of the Property or assignment of the Lease. Owner expressly agrees that Owner will not transfer, convey or sell the Property without first obtaining from the purchaser or assignee such signed Assumption Agreement. The form of such Assumption Agreement shall be furnished to the Broker at the time Owner enters into any contract for the sale of the Property or assignment of the Lease.

6. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FEES (COMMISSIONS)

   1. SALE OR EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY – During the life of this contract, if any Agency/Brokerage including Broker (hereafter defined as “Cooperating Broker”) finds a buyer who is ready, able, and willing to buy said property at said price and terms, or any other price or terms to which Owner may agree, the Owner hereby agrees to pay a commission of [ ]% upon closing of title.

   2. PROTECTION PERIOD – If within 90 days after the expiration of this agreement the property is sold, exchange or leased to or with any person or party to whom the property was shown during the term of the listing, Owner agrees to pay Broker and, if applicable, a Cooperating Broker the commission set forth herein as if the Broker has made the sale, exchange or lease.

   3. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT – In the event the property does not sell during the term of this agreement or any extension hereof or during the protection period set forth above, owner shall nonetheless be obligated to reimburse broker for marketing expenses in the amount of $[ ].

   4. WHEN PAYABLE – If said property is sold, transferred or exchanged pursuant to this agreement, the compensation to be paid to the Broker, and in addition and if applicable, to a Cooperating Broker, as set forth herein shall be paid directly to the said parties and shall be deemed earned and be due and payable, without demand, upon the Owner entering into an agreement, either written oral, for the sale, exchange or transfer of the property.

   5. ESCROW – If, for any reason, the Broker and, if applicable, a Cooperating Broker is not paid the compensation set forth herein on the due date, the Owner shall establish an escrow account with a party mutually agreeable to the Broker and Owner or, in the absence of mutual agreement, with the Owner’s attorney, and shall place into said escrow account an amount equal to the compensation as set forth herein. These monies shall be held in escrow until the parties’ rights to the escrow monies have been determined (I) by the written agreement of the parties, (II) by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (III) some other process to which the parties agree in writing.

7. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

   1. The parties agree that any dispute, arising prior to or after a closing, related to this Listing Agreement shall first be submitted to mediation through a mediation provider mutually agreed upon by the Owner and the Broker. If the parties cannot agree upon a mediation provider, the dispute shall be submitted to the American Arbitration Association. Each party agrees to bear its own costs of mediation. If mediation fails, the other remedies available under this Listing Agreement shall apply.

8. ATTORNEY FEES

   1. Except as provided in Section 7, in case of the employment of an attorney in any matter arising out of this Listing Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive from the other party all costs and attorney fees, whether the matter is resolved through court action or otherwise. If, through no fault of the Broker, any litigation arises out of the Owner’s employment of the Broker under this Listing Agreement (whether before or after a closing), the Owner agrees to indemnify the Broker and the Owner’s Agent from all costs and attorney fees incurred by the Broker and/or the Owner’s Agent in pursuing and/or defending such action.

9. LEGAL, PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ADVICE

   1. The Owner acknowledges that the Broker is not qualified to and will not provide Owner with advice on legal matters, tax matters (including, but not limited to, non-recognition of gain or loss from exchanges pursuant to 26 USC section 1031), building inspections, public health, surveying, environmental, or other technical matters. The Owner also acknowledges that the Broker has advised and recommended that the Owner seek independent legal, tax and other counsel prior to entering into this agreement or into an agreement for the sale, exchange or lease of property.

10. CONDITIONS

    1. DEPOSITS – the owner hereby authorizes the Listing Broker to hold any and all deposits made by a Purchaser in an escrow account until the date of lease execution or closing until written mutual consent of the parties to the cancellation of the lease or contract. In the event of the claim of default by either party, the deposit will be held by the Broker in an escrow account pending final resolution of the dispute or written mutual consent of the parties. Broker is authorized to pay and apply the deposits received toward the brokerage fee which is due under the Agreement. Deposits may also be held by the Seller’s attorney upon mutual consent of Seller and Broker.

    2. SUIT BY OWNER – If Owner successfully prosecutes a suit against a Buyer who breached a purchase or, exchange agreement concerning the Property and collects all or any part of the monetary damages proximately caused by such breach as a result of trial, compromise, settlement or otherwise, then, after first deducting Owner’s reasonable attorney fees and court costs, Owner shall pay Broker and, if applicable, a Cooperating Broker an amount equal to one-tenth (1/10) of the funds received by Owner; but, the maximum amount that Owner shall be obligated to pay to the Broker and, if applicable, a Cooperating Broker shall not exceed the amount of broker’s commission.

    3. DISCLOSURES – To Owner’s knowledge, other than as disclosed by Owner to Broker in writing, the Property (I) does not have any material latent, structural or construction defects, and (II) is not contaminated with any toxic or hazardous substances in violation of applicable laws and regulations. Owner hereby authorizes Broker to disclose to Prospects all information about the condition of the Property whether disclosed by Owner orally or in writing, or otherwise discovered by Broker. Owner shall indemnify Broker against any and all claims, damages and costs of every kind and character (including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs) resulting from or related to: (I) any incomplete incorrect, misleading or inaccurate information furnished by Owner about the Property; or (II) concealment by Owner of any material information about the Property. Owner hereby acknowledges that Broker, any cooperating brokers and prospects will be relying upon the accuracy and completeness of the information furnished by Owner.

       1. Owner acknowledges that he/she is required by law to complete and sign a Property Condition Disclosure Statement and cause it, or a copy thereof, to be delivered to a buyer or buyer’s agent prior to the signing by the buyer of a binding contract of sale. A copy of the Property Condition disclosure Statement containing the signatures of both the buyer and the Owner must be attached to the real estate purchase contract. If prior to closing or possession by the buyer the Owner acquires knowledge which renders materially inaccurate a Property Condition Disclosure statement previously provided, the Owner must deliver a revised Property Condition Disclosure Statement to the buyer as soon as practicable. If the Owner fails to so deliver a Property Condition Disclosure Statement, the buyer will be entitled to a credit in the amount of $500 against the purchase price of the property upon the transfer of title.

       2. Owner acknowledges that Broker has informed Owner of his/her disclosure and certification obligations regarding the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards and a Buyer’s right to conduct a risk assessment or inspection of the property to determine the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.

• Owner acknowledges that Broker has informed Owner of his/her obligation to provide buyers with information developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (Bureau of Health) regarding what homeowners should know about arsenic in private water supplies and arsenic in treated wood.

1. Owner acknowledges that Broker is not an insurer against loss of or damage to personal property during the term of this agreement.

11. FAIR HOUSING

    1. It is agreed that the Listed Property shall be listed in full compliance with local, state, and federal fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age, marital status, and/or familial status, or other prohibited factors. Federal and State laws make it illegal for Owner, Broker or anyone to use the above mentioned classifications as reasons for refusing to sell, show, or rent properties, loan money, or set deposit amounts, or as reasons for any decision relating to the sale of the property.

12. ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING

    1. This agreement contains an entire understanding of the parties and it may not be changed orally and is binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assignees of the respective parties hereto. The undersigned represents and warrants that (he) (she) is the legal Owner of the Subject property, or that (he) (she) has full legal authority to execute this Agreement for and on behalf of the legal Owner and hereby accepts the within agreement.

This is a legally binding contract. If not fully understood, we recommend consulting an attorney before signing.

Dear Seller,

Thank you for choosing to employ our firm as a real estate broker with the exclusive right to sell or lease the proprietary lease and shares of stocks allocated to the property located at 123 Fifth Avenue, Penthouse A, New York, NY 10024 on the following conditions:

1. You represent that you are the owner of all the property.

2. This agreement shall be effective and continue in full force and effect for 180 days from the date you sign this agreement.

3. We are authorized to offer the 100 shares allocated to the property and the proprietary lease for sale at a price of $10,000,000 and to represent that the maintenance charge of the property is currently $5,000.75 per month.

4. In our effort to bring about a satisfactory sale, we are authorized by you to invite, at our own discretion, the cooperation of other licensed real estate brokers and to work with them on a cooperating basis for the sale of the above property. In this connection you hereby agree that we may delay the invitation of the cooperation of other brokers, for up to five (5) days after you countersign this letter, in order to prepare marketing materials.

5. If you agree to sell the property pursuant to this agreement, our commission to be paid by you shall be either: (a) five (5%) percent of the total sales price (the “Sales Price”) of the property (and of any household furnishings and any garage ad storage space included in such sale), if the sale is procured directly through our agent John Smith, without the cooperation of any other broker or agent (including other agents associated with New York Realty); or (b) six (6%) percent of the Sales Price, if the sale of the property is co-brokered by us with the cooperation of another licensed real estate broker or agent (including the cooperation of other agents associated with New York Realty). If you agree to lease the property pursuant to this Agreement, our commission to be paid by you shall be fifteen (15%) percent of the aggregate rent for the first year of the lease. Moreover, if the tenant under such lease purchases the property during the term of the lease (or any extension thereof) or within six (6) months of the tenant’s vacating the property, then you agree to pay us a commission equal to six (6%) percent of the total price of the property, as set forth above.

6. In the event another licensed real estate broker solicited by us is involved in the transaction, we shall pay the cooperating broker a commission by separate agreement with such broker and in no such event shall be commission paid by you exceed 6% of the selling price.

7. In the event that you become legally entitled to retain any deposit paid to you by a person introduced to you during the term of this agreement, pursuant to a signed contract of sale, you agree to pay 6% of the contract price from that amount to us.

8. During the term of this agreement, you agree to refer to us all inquiries, proposals and offers received by you regarding the property, including, but not limited to those from principals and other brokers, and you agree to conduct all negotiations with respect to the sale, lease or the disposition of the property solely and exclusively through us.

9. In connection with our marketing of the property, you hereby grant us (or our 3rd party photographers) permission to photograph and video the property and use those photographs and videos in all of our marketing materials (including after expiration or termination of this listing). You hereby agree and understand that, upon expiration or other termination of this Agreement, the rights to those photographs and videos belong to us and may not be used by you or any other broker.

10. Within five (5) days of the expiration date, we shall deliver to you, in writing, a list of no more than six (6) prospective purchasers and six (6) prospective tenants who inspected the property during the term of this exclusive. If within ninety (90) days after the expiration date, a contract is signed to sell the property to a purchaser on said list or a lease is signed to rent the property to a prospective tenant on said list, then New York Realty shall be entitled to the commission provided for in paragraph 5 of this Agreement.

11. At the end of the exclusive period, the listing will automatically convert to an open, non-exclusive listing, unless you advise us to the contrary.

12. You hereby acknowledge that we have informed you of your obligations under the Lead Paint Disclosure Law (42 U.S.C. 4852(d) and that you are aware of your responsibility to ensure compliance therewith.

13. You hereby acknowledge that pursuant to the New York City Housing Maintenance Code, you, as the owner of the property, shall furnish (I) to any prospective tenant (or subtenant) signing a rental lease or sublease (including the rental of a condominium unit or sublease of a cooperative apartment) or (II) to any prospective buyer of a cooperative apartment, a notice that sets forth the bedbug infestation history of the apartment and building. In this connection, you understand that such notice must be signed by you and the tenant (or buyer, as the case may be) on the form promulgated by the DHCR entitled “Notice to Tenant – Disclosure of Bedbug Infestation History”. Broker shall have no responsibility to make the bedbug infestation disclosure and to prepare or deliver such form to tenant or prospective shareholder.

14. This agreement shall bind and benefit the personal representatives, successors or assignees of the parties, and may not be changed, rescinded or modified except in writing, signed by both of us.

15. At the time of closing, you may be required to deposit the broker’s commission with the county clerk in the event that you do not pay the broker his or her commission as set forth herein. Your obligation to deposit the broker’s commission with the county clerk may be waived by the broker.

If the foregoing meets with your approval, please sign and return the enclosed copy of this agreement.