What is the primary purpose of a listing agreement?

The primary purpose of a listing agreement is to define the broker's relationship with the seller. This legal document solidifies the mutual understanding between the seller and the broker regarding responsibilities, expectations, and the scope of services provided. It specifies the duration of the listing, the broker's authority to market the property, and outlines the obligations of both parties throughout the selling process. Establishing this relationship is crucial for ensuring that the seller has a dedicated agent representing their interests, and it helps foster trust and communication during the transaction.

While outlining the property's features, determining the selling price, and establishing the commission rate are important aspects of the process, they are secondary to the fundamental purpose of the listing agreement, which is to create a formal relationship between the seller and the broker to facilitate the sale.