List Your Home

Cincinnati Area Board of RealtorsŪ

You have decided to sell your house and are ready to select a REALTORŪ with whom you would like to work. This is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. If you do not already have a REALTORŪ that you would like to work with, you may want to consider meeting with more than one agent to determine which agent and company you feel most confident will provide the best service to suit your needs. Now it’s time to review the listing contract.

A listing contract is a legally binding bi-lateral agreement. This means that there are provisions included in the contract that dictate the performance expected by both parties (Seller and Listing Broker). A listing contract can be terminated only through mutual release by both parties or, in the event of non-performance or breach of contract, upon the advice of an attorney.

Ohio license law requires that the written listing contract must contain a definite expiration date, the fair housing logo, fair housing language and a place for the seller(s) to sign and date.

The listing contract generally will also provide for the following terms:

The address/location of the property

The listing price for the property

Items of personal property to be included in the sale of the property

Possession and Occupancy provisions

A Seller’s Certification regarding several aspects of the property

Conveyance provisions

The REALTORŪ’s fee

Marketing and Sign Placement Authority

Key Authorization (including lockbox)

Seller Cooperation

It is important to discuss the details of the above provisions with your REALTORŪ and make sure you understand all aspects of the listing contract. The provisions included in the written listing contract are the only ones binding between seller and broker. Verbal statements are not enforceable. As with all contracts, you may choose to have your attorney review the listing contract prior to signing.

Date: April 7, 1998