What is a breach of trust in regard to original listings agreements?

A breach of trust in relation to original listings agreements occurs when an agent fails to uphold their fiduciary duties to the principal. The concept of trust in a real estate listing agreement is grounded in the relationship between the agent and the client, where the agent is expected to act in the best interests of the client at all times.

Charging for original listing agreements can represent a breach of trust, particularly if it goes against established practices or the terms explicitly outlined in the agreement. Listing agreements are typically structured to ensure the agent represents the seller's interests in exchange for a commission on a successful sale. If an agent tries to impose additional charges without clear authorization or prior agreement, it can undermine the trust of the client and violate the ethical standards expected in the transaction.

While providing incorrect property information and failing to disclose property defects also constitute serious issues, they relate more to misrepresentation and fraud rather than a direct breach of the trust that a listing agreement represents. Accepting commissions from another broker may involve complications regarding dual agency but does not inherently breach the trust established in the original agreement. Thus, the emphasis on trust in the context of listing agreements makes charging for those agreements particularly relevant to the question.