In reference to listing agreements, what must every agreement explicitly include?

In listing agreements, it is crucial that a detailed property description is explicitly included. This element serves multiple purposes: it provides potential buyers with a clear understanding of the property involved in the transaction and helps establish the boundaries of the agreement between the seller and the agent. A well-defined description outlines the specific characteristics of the property, such as its location, size, and key features, ensuring both parties are aware of what is being listed for sale.

Including a detailed property description is also important for marketing and legal reasons, as it minimizes confusion and sets expectations for what is being sold. This clarity can prevent potential disputes regarding the property’s attributes or condition and allows stakeholders to move forward with confidence.

Other elements, such as a termination date, an agent's commission rate, and multiple legal disclaimers, are indeed important components of a complete listing agreement, but they are not as universally required in every context as a detailed property description. A comprehensive description is foundational to understanding the specific nature of the listing and the property being marketed.