What is the requirement for a termination date on a listing?

A termination date on a listing must be definite because it provides clarity and certainty regarding the duration of the agreement between the parties involved. Having a specific end date ensures that both the seller and the agent have a clear understanding of how long the agent is authorized to represent the seller and market the property. This protects the interests of both parties, as it outlines when the listing will expire and allows the seller to re-evaluate their strategy or choose to work with a different agent after that date.

In contrast, vague or indefinite terms create uncertainty, which can lead to misunderstandings or disputes regarding the continuation of the listing agreement. Flexibility in the termination date may be appealing from a negotiation standpoint, but it ultimately lacks the necessary structure that a definite termination date provides in real estate transactions.