In the case of Tristams Landing vs. Wait, when is the commission considered due?

In the case of Tristams Landing vs. Wait, the circumstance surrounding the payment of the commission is articulated by the principle that a real estate commission is typically due only when the sale closes. This means that the broker earns their commission upon the successful completion of the transaction, not simply for initiating the listing or obtaining an offer.

The rationale for this is that the broker's work culminates in the closing, where ownership and funds are exchanged, ultimately fulfilling the full scope of the real estate transaction. Signing the listing agreement or accepting an offer, while important steps in the process, do not finalize the deal. The commission is contingent upon executing the sale, which protects both the parties involved in the transaction and the real estate professionals providing their services.