What is meant by "earned" in a commission context?

In the context of commissions, "earned" refers to the point at which a real estate agent has fulfilled the conditions necessary to receive a commission payment, which typically occurs when a contract has been procured. When an agent successfully secures a listing agreement or aids in a client’s purchase or sale of a property, they have effectively 'earned' their commission because they have met their professional obligations as outlined in their agreement.

This understanding is essential for real estate professionals as it delineates when they can expect to be compensated for their services, emphasizing the importance of closing transactions and cases where contracts are finalized.

The other choices do not align with this concept. For example, merely receiving payments does not indicate that a commission has been truly earned unless it follows the successful execution of a contract. Similarly, just committing to a sale or counting fees after payment does not reflect the completion of the services that justify earning a commission. Thus, procuring a contract is the definitive action that signifies the earning of a commission.