What is required for a listing agreement to be legally binding?

A listing agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties to be legally binding. This requirement is in place to ensure that there is a clear and enforceable contract outlining the terms of the agreement between a property owner and a real estate broker. A written agreement provides a tangible record of the parties' intentions and the specifics of the arrangement, such as the listing price and the duration of the agreement.

Having signatures from both parties authenticates the document and indicates that they have both agreed to its terms. In real estate transactions, this formality helps prevent disputes about whether an agreement ever existed or what it included, thus providing legal protection for both the seller and the broker.

While oral agreements can sometimes be enforceable, they often lead to misunderstandings or disputes regarding the terms. Verbal confirmations and witnesses, as well as notarizations, do not replace the need for a written contract in this specific context, thereby underscoring the importance of a written and signed listing agreement in the real estate practice.