Which term describes authority granted to an agent by the principal, whether spoken or written?

Which term describes authority granted to an agent by the principal, whether spoken or written?

• A. Actual Agency
• B. Apparent Agency
• C. Ostensible Agency
• D. Express Agency

Answer: (A)

Express agency is authority granted to an agent directly by the principal in explicit terms, whether spoken or written. This means the principal clearly communicates the exact powers the agent has—like a listing agreement or a power of attorney. It’s different from actual authority, which can include both express and implied authority that the agent reasonably believes they have based on the principal’s words or actions. It’s also distinct from apparent (ostensible) authority, which depends on how others perceive the relationship due to the principal’s representations. Since the prompt highlights authority given in clear terms, either orally or in writing, express agency is the correct idea.

Express agency is authority granted to an agent directly by the principal in explicit terms, whether spoken or written. This means the principal clearly communicates the exact powers the agent has—like a listing agreement or a power of attorney. It’s different from actual authority, which can include both express and implied authority that the agent reasonably believes they have based on the principal’s words or actions. It’s also distinct from apparent (ostensible) authority, which depends on how others perceive the relationship due to the principal’s representations. Since the prompt highlights authority given in clear terms, either orally or in writing, express agency is the correct idea.