According to the law of agency, what type of agency is a real estate listing contract?

A real estate listing contract is classified as a special agency. This type of agency is characterized by the agent being authorized to perform a specific task or transaction on behalf of the principal, but with limited authority. In the context of a real estate listing, the agent is empowered to represent the seller in the sale of a specific property, which is a defined and singular scope of responsibility.

Special agencies are crucial in real estate transactions because they clearly delineate the roles and responsibilities of the agent, ensuring that the agent acts only in the best interest of the principal, within the confines of the specific task at hand. This contrasts with general agency, where the agent would have broader authority to act on behalf of the principal in various matters; universal agency, where the agent has comprehensive authority to act in all matters; and limited agency, which typically refers to a scenario where the agent's capacity is restricted for specific reasons.

Thus, understanding that a listing contract enables the agent to carry out a focused function—facilitating the sale of a property—is key to recognizing it as a special agency relationship.