What marks the start date of a listing agreement?

What marks the start date of a listing agreement?

• A. The day the seller signs the listing agreement.
• B. When the broker presents the listing.
• C. The date the buyer submits an offer.
• D. The date the property is marketed online.

Answer: (A)

The start date of a listing agreement is the moment the seller signs the contract, because a listing agreement is a binding contract that takes effect upon execution. Once the seller signs, the broker has the authority to market the property and the seller is obligated under the terms, including the listing period and commission. Marketing can begin after that date, but it cannot meaningfully start before there is a signed agreement. The other options don’t fit because simply presenting the listing, receiving an offer, or starting online marketing doesn’t establish the binding terms or authorize the broker to act—the contract isn’t in place until the seller signs.

The start date of a listing agreement is the moment the seller signs the contract, because a listing agreement is a binding contract that takes effect upon execution. Once the seller signs, the broker has the authority to market the property and the seller is obligated under the terms, including the listing period and commission. Marketing can begin after that date, but it cannot meaningfully start before there is a signed agreement. The other options don’t fit because simply presenting the listing, receiving an offer, or starting online marketing doesn’t establish the binding terms or authorize the broker to act—the contract isn’t in place until the seller signs.