Which type of property listing allows the seller to retain the right to sell without paying a commission?

The exclusive agency listing enables the seller to retain the right to sell the property independently without the obligation to pay a commission to the agent if the property is sold by the seller themselves. This type of listing agreement allows a seller to work with one agency while maintaining the option to find a buyer on their own. Should a buyer come to the property through the seller's own efforts, the seller does not owe a commission to the agent.

In contrast, an open listing gives the seller the freedom to list the property with multiple agents, and commissions are only paid if the agent finds a buyer. The exclusive right to sell guarantees the agent a commission regardless of how the buyer is found, including if the seller sells it themselves. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a platform where listings are shared among agents, but it does not inherently define the commission structure or rights retained by the seller.