In what scenario can a seller still be liable for commission?

A seller can still be liable for commission if they sell to another party after a previous offer had been made. This situation often arises when a seller has entered into a listing agreement or has agreed to the terms of a contract with a buyer. The agent works to bring a buyer, and if the seller then accepts another offer while the agent has fulfilled their obligation in securing an initial buyer, the seller may still owe a commission to the agent for the work done in facilitating the transaction. The legal principle here is that the seller must honor the terms of the listing agreement, which typically stipulates that the commission is owed if the property is sold during the term of the agreement, regardless of whether they sold it to a different buyer.

This scenario reflects a key aspect of real estate transactions and illustrates the importance of maintaining communication and adhering to contractual obligations. It is beneficial for sellers to fully understand their commitments before making decisions that could incur additional costs or liabilities.