When should a listing agreement be delivered to the property owner?

Delivering the listing agreement to the property owner upon signing is essential for several reasons. First, this action ensures that the owner is fully aware of the terms and conditions they are agreeing to, which promotes transparency in the relationship between the agent and the client. It establishes a formal understanding of the responsibilities and expectations on both sides right from the outset.

Additionally, delivering the agreement at this stage allows the property owner to ask any questions or raise concerns immediately, facilitating better communication and helping to avoid any misunderstandings later in the process. It is also common practice and aligns with industry standards, which emphasize the importance of keeping the client informed and engaged, thereby fostering trust.

While options such as delivering within 24 hours or before the property is listed may seem reasonable, they do not offer the same immediacy of communication and acknowledgment that occurs when the agreement is provided at the time of signing. Providing the document during a property showing could also lead to confusion or misalignment regarding the status or formalities of the listing, making the prompt delivery upon signing the most effective practice.