Who is typically considered the procuring cause of a real estate transaction?

In real estate transactions, the listing broker is typically considered the procuring cause because they are responsible for initiating and facilitating the sale of a property. The listing broker represents the seller and performs various functions such as marketing the property, showing it to potential buyers, and negotiating offers. Their efforts directly lead to the transaction, making them the entity that "procurers" or brings the buyer to the table.

Understanding this role is crucial, as the concept of procuring cause is significant in determining commission entitlement. If a transaction closes successfully because of the actions of the listing broker, they will typically receive the agreed-upon commission despite other parties' involvement, such as buyer's agents.

The other roles listed—while involved in the transaction—do not hold the primary responsibility for bringing the buyer and seller together in the same way as the listing broker. The buyer, for example, is the individual making the purchase and does not actively facilitate the sale process. The closing agent's responsibilities occur later in the process, involving the legal aspects of finalizing the transaction, and the buyer's agent supports the buyer in the purchasing process but does so under the purview of the transaction initiated by the listing broker.