Exclusive Listing Agreement
Understand exclusive listing agreements in Canadian real estate — what they are, their benefits, and how they differ from other listing agreements.
August 08, 2025
What is an Exclusive Listing Agreement?
An exclusive listing agreement is a contract granting a real estate broker the sole right to market and sell a property for a specified period.
Why Exclusive Listing Agreements Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, exclusive listing agreements incentivize brokers to invest in marketing since they are guaranteed a commission if the property sells during the term.
Key points:
- Broker earns commission regardless of who finds the buyer
- Typically includes a detailed marketing strategy
- Provides sellers with a single point of contact
Understanding exclusive listing agreements helps sellers choose the best arrangement for their goals.
Example of an Exclusive Listing Agreement in Action
The homeowner signed an exclusive listing agreement with a broker to ensure a committed marketing effort.
Key Takeaways
- Grants one broker exclusive rights to market property
- Commission payable regardless of who secures the buyer
- Encourages robust marketing and sales efforts
- Reduces confusion from multiple brokers
- Must clearly define terms and duration
Related Terms
- Exclusive Right-to-Sell Listing
- Commission
- Listing Agreement
- Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
- Real Estate Agent


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
