Which situation allows a broker to still earn a commission even if the buyer does not close the sale?

A broker is entitled to earn a commission in the event that the seller breaches the contract because the broker has fulfilled their obligations in bringing about a ready, willing, and able buyer. When a seller fails to complete the transaction after the buyer has agreed to all terms, it reflects a breach of contract, thereby entitling the broker to compensation for their professional services. This situation acknowledges the broker's role in successfully facilitating a negotiation and securing an agreement, even if external factors, such as the seller's actions, prevent the sale from closing.

In contrast, if the buyer rescinds their offer, they indicate that they are no longer interested in the transaction, typically resulting in no commission for the broker. Additionally, a circumstance where the buyer was not ready, willing, and able implies that the broker's efforts did not culminate in a viable agreement, again leading to a forfeiture of potential commissions. While securing financing is a positive step for the buyer, it does not guarantee that the sale will close, and thus it does not establish a basis for earning a commission if the transaction ultimately falls through.