Listing Your First Home?
Here’s What to Know About the Seller Representation Agreement
At ARIVL, we know selling your home—especially your first—is a big milestone. Whether you’re upgrading, relocating, or starting a new chapter, we’re here to make sure the process is smooth, transparent, and on your terms.
One of the first steps in that journey is signing something called the Exclusive Seller Representation Agreement. It sounds formal (because it is), but at the end of the day, it’s a team contract between you and ARIVL.
This is the agreement that allows us to officially list, market, and sell your home—while making sure your rights, expectations, and responsibilities are all protected.
Here’s your simple breakdown 👇
📝 What is the Seller Representation Agreement?
It’s a formal agreement that gives ARIVL the exclusive right to represent you and sell your home for a set period of time.
💡 Think of it as your “we’ve got your back” agreement.
We handle the marketing, negotiating, and paperwork—you stay in control of the decisions.
🧩 Key Sections to Know (and Questions to Ask)
1. The Basics – What’s Being Sold and for How Much
📍 Section: Clause 1
You’ll fill in:
- The property address and legal description
- Any included or excluded items (like appliances, TV mounts, etc.)
- Your listing price (yes, we’ll help you choose this strategically!)
- Desired possession date
❓ Ask yourself:
- Am I including or excluding any leased or sentimental items?
- Am I sure about my ideal possession date?
2. Start & End Dates of the Agreement
📍 Section: Clause 2
This spells out when ARIVL starts working for you—and when our formal agreement ends. Most listings run 90 days or longer.
❓ Ask us:
- Can we adjust the length of the listing?
- What happens if I want to end the agreement early?
3. Our Commitment to You
📍 Section: Clause 3
This is what we promise:
- Market your home with pro photos, virtual tours, MLS® exposure, and more
- Present all offers to you (even after you’ve accepted one—if it’s conditional)
- Negotiate terms, help with paperwork, and guide you to closing
💡 This is where ARIVL shines—we go beyond the checklist to make your experience seamless.
4. How We Market Your Home
📍 Section: Clause 4
We’ll post your home on MLS® for at least 60 days, run campaigns, and give optional extras like:
- Lockboxes
- Open houses
- Virtual staging or tours
❓ Ask yourself:
- Do I want to allow open houses or showings at certain times only?
5. Your Role as the Seller
📍 Section: Clause 5
Here’s what we’ll need from you:
- A current Real Property Report (RPR) with municipal compliance
- Home insurance until it’s sold
- Full transparency about any issues, defects, or renovations
- Updates on changes (ex: damage, leaks, offers from buyers)
❓ Ask us:
- What if I don’t have an RPR?
- What if I’ve done renovations without permits?
6. Commission & Fees
📍 Section: Clause 9
Let’s talk money—open and upfront:
- You’ll agree to a commission rate (we explain this clearly before signing)
- A portion goes to the buyer’s agent
- You only pay us when your sale closes
🔍 Bonus: If a buyer backs out, and they forfeit their deposit—you may still owe us a portion, but never more than 50% of the deposit or our full fee, whichever is less.
❓ Ask yourself:
- Am I comfortable with the commission split?
- What happens if the buyer doesn’t close?
7. Conflicts of Interest
📍 Section: Clause 8
If we also represent a buyer interested in your home:
- You’ll be informed, and
- You can decide if we continue as a neutral transaction facilitator or if you’d prefer we refer them elsewhere.
You’re in control—always.
8. Disclosure of Defects
📍 Section: Clause 14
You must disclose:
- Material latent defects (things not visible during a walk-through)
- Big-ticket problems or repairs
- Any government notices or missing permits
💡 It’s better to disclose than risk legal issues later.
9. How to End the Agreement
📍 Section: Clause 16
This outlines when the agreement ends:
- The home sells
- You and ARIVL agree to end it early in writing
- Or if certain unexpected conditions apply (e.g. ARIVL loses license access)
❓ Ask us:
- What’s the process if I decide not to sell?
🤝 Final Thoughts: We’re Your Co-Pilot—But You’re Driving
This agreement sets the stage for a strong, smooth, and successful sale. It’s written to protect both parties, but most importantly—it ensures you’re supported every step of the way.
At ARIVL, we’ll explain every part clearly, make sure you know your rights, and empower you to make smart choices.
📩 Ready to sell your first home? Have questions about the contract?
Let’s talk it through.
📧 Email: hq@arivl.ca
📸 Follow us: @arivl.hq
ARIVL: Your Real Estate Adventure Awaits!
