In what scenario does a seller owe a commission under the Holdover Period?

A seller owes a commission during the Holdover Period only if a commission is earned during that time. This period typically refers to the time immediately following the expiration of a listing agreement, where the real estate agent may still be entitled to a commission if a buyer, who was introduced to the property during the listing term, ends up purchasing it.

This scenario emphasizes the importance of the relationship established between the seller, the property, and potential buyers while the listing was active. If a buyer who expressed interest or was shown the property during the original listing period makes a purchase shortly after the contract has expired, the agent is considered to have earned their commission.

This principle serves to protect real estate agents for the efforts they made to market the property, even if the transaction occurs after the formal agreement has ended. It also encourages sellers to remain aware of potential buyers that might be involved through an agent, extending the responsibility of commission payments beyond the active listing period under specific conditions.

The other options do not align with this principle since they either imply an unconditional obligation, overly restrict situations in which a commission may be due, or suggest that mutual agreement is always necessary, which is not necessarily required for a commission to be earned in the Holdover Period context.