What action can a listing agent take if the Seller refuses to pay the commission but a valid listing agreement is in place?

When a valid listing agreement exists, it creates a contractual obligation for the seller to pay the specified commission upon the successful completion of the sale. If the seller refuses to honor this agreement, the listing agent has the legal right to seek enforcement of the contract. Filing a suit in civil court is a formal legal recourse available to the agent in order to recover the commission that is owed based on the terms of the agreement. This action is based on contract law, which enforces the obligations stipulated within a valid contract, thereby allowing the agent to protect their interests and seek to recover any owed amounts when faced with non-compliance from the seller.

The other choices involve actions that do not align with the enforceable rights provided by a valid contract. Negotiation without the threat of legal action may not compel the seller to pay, walking away forfeits any claim to the commission, and contacting the buyer directly could violate ethical guidelines and the established relationship under the listing agreement. Therefore, pursuing legal action is the most appropriate and justified response in this scenario.