What can agents NOT do regarding contracts?

Agents play a critical role in the real estate transaction process, particularly when it comes to dealing with contracts. However, one key limitation that exists is their ability to draft contracts from scratch. This is primarily due to legal regulations that often require specific training or qualifications to create legally binding agreements. Drafting a contract involves a deeper understanding of legal language and implications that go beyond the standard operational tasks expected from real estate agents.

On the other hand, negotiating on behalf of clients, filling in the blanks on pre-printed forms, and reviewing contracts for errors are all permissible activities for agents. Agents serve as intermediaries who facilitate an agreement by advocating for their clients' interests during negotiations. They are also authorized to use standardized forms provided by their real estate commissions or associations, where they can input necessary information specific to the transaction. Moreover, reviewing contracts allows agents to ensure that all terms are understood and that there are no mistakes that could impact the deal.

Overall, avoiding the drafting of contracts from scratch helps to maintain legal standards and protect all parties involved in a transaction, emphasizing the need for specialized legal professionals to handle such tasks.