What is a listing agreement?

A listing agreement is fundamentally a contract between a property owner and a broker that grants the broker the authority to market and sell the property on behalf of the owner. This legal document specifies the terms of the relationship, including details such as the duration of the agreement, the commission structure, and the responsibilities of both the broker and the property owner.

By establishing this formal arrangement, the broker is empowered to promote the property, negotiate with potential buyers, and handle transactions in line with the owner's interests. The listing agreement is essential in real estate transactions as it ensures clarity and legal backing for both parties involved.

The other options describe concepts that are not relevant to the definition of a listing agreement. Home inspection details pertain to property evaluations rather than marketing. A bill of sale typically relates to the transfer of ownership of personal property, not real estate. Finally, an agreement between two brokers to split commissions pertains to collaboration among real estate professionals without involving the property owner directly.