Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (150–250 words):
A listing agreement must be signed by the legal owner or someone who has proper legal authority to act on the owner’s behalf. That authority is established through a written power of attorney; the person acting is called the attorney-in-fact.
A: A broker cannot sign on behalf of an owner without written power of attorney; telephone instructions are not sufficient.
B: A trust beneficiary has no signing authority unless also appointed as trustee.
C: Heirs apparent have no legal rights until the owner passes away and probate is complete.
Thus, only an attorney-in-fact can legally bind the owner in a listing agreement.
[Reference: Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook – Contracts; M.G.L. c.190B (Powers of Attorney)., ]
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