QUESTION: Realtor and agent: how to outline responsibilities in the contract?

A properly drafted contract with a real estate agency or a private broker is the only reliable way to protect your interests in court. The document must clearly reflect all areas of responsibility of the parties and the consequences of breaching agreements.

When it comes to cooperating with a real estate specialist, it is important to avoid extremes when fixing conditions. You should not inflate expectations regarding sales timelines, since the market is subject to fluctuations, and an agent cannot guarantee a buyer on a specific day.

Be sure to leave room for life and possible force majeure circumstances by outlining the procedure for actions in the event of changes in market conditions or the client's personal circumstances. This will protect you from paying large fines if the contract is terminated for valid reasons.

Fix progress with small control points by writing intermediate tasks into the contract with specific execution dates. For example, the preparation of the advertising campaign should be completed in a week, and the first Unified State Register of Real Estate (EGRN) extract must be provided within three days.

In the text of the agreement, detail the amount of the penalty for missing deadlines or failing to fulfill duties, as well as the procedure for early termination of the relationship. A clear division of responsibility for gathering certificates, organizing viewings, and providing legal support will eliminate any misunderstandings between the client and the contractor.