What document must a listing licensee obtain at the time of listing?

The correct answer is the listing contract, which is essential for formalizing the relationship between a seller and the real estate agent representing them. The listing contract establishes the terms and conditions under which the agent is authorized to help sell the property, including details about the commission, duration of the listing, and specific marketing strategies.

Obtaining a listing contract is critical as it ensures that the seller is committed to working with the agent and that both parties have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. This document serves as a legal agreement that protects both the seller's and the agent's interests throughout the selling process. In many jurisdictions, including Kentucky, having this document in place is a standard legal requirement for real estate transactions.

Other options, while important in their own right, do not serve as the foundational agreement necessary to begin the listing process. The seller's disclosure, for instance, is a document that outlines any known issues with the property that the seller must disclose to potential buyers; however, it comes into play as part of the process after the listing contract is established.