Relates to the definition and term of real estate listing agreements

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic3
• Republican1

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Rachel May says this is needed

Most homeowners only sell a property once or twice in their lifetime. When they sign a listing agreement with a real estate broker, they're entering a legal contract-often under time pressure or with limited understanding of what's negotiable. These agreements can include long terms, vague renewal provisions, or even automatic extensions that home- owners may not be fully aware of when signing. In some cases, property owners find themselves locked into contracts for years, even if the broker is no longer actively marketing the property or the relationship has broken down. This bill addresses that imbalance. It sets a reasonable two-year cap on the length of a residential listing agreement and prohibits exclusive agreements from rolling over automatically. These are modest, common- sense consumer protections that ensure homeowners maintain control over who represents their interests and for how long. Uncapped or open-ended contracts distort the market by discouraging competition. When brokers know they have a client tied up indefinitely, there may be less incen- tive to maintain a high level of service. And when homeowners feel stuck in an agreement they can't easily get out of, it undermines confidence in the real estate process. By contrast, time-limited agreements promote a healthier market dynamic: brokers are motivated to perform, and home- owners retain the ability to reassess and make changes if needed. Nothing in this bill prevents a homeowner from renewing a relationship with a trusted broker. But it ensures that such renewals are intention- al-not automatic. Especially in an industry where many deals hinge on trust and transparency, this reform offers both brokers and clients a clearer, more equitable framework. These updates reflect a modem under- standing of consumer protection, one that respects the stakes involved in selling a home and creates a fairer playing field for all parties involved.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.