Even if you find a buyer yourself, you must pay the broker his or her commission. Most brokers favor this type of contract. The second type of contract is an exclusive agency contract. In this type of contract you will not pay a commission if you locate a buyer. If they do enter this contract you may not get the highest level of service.
All contracts have a beginning and ending date.
If you do not sell your home within the dates of the contract, you may want to choose another broker after the contract expires. Even real estate brokers chosen by you to help you locate a home may represent the seller. According to most Multiple Listing Services, a broker helping the buyer locate a home is actually working as an agent of the seller's broker. Therefore, they represent the seller rather than the buyer. Before disclosing confidential information, such as your top offer, be sure the broker is not going to share that information with the seller.