What defines express authority?

• A. The authority granted to an agent by means of the agent's written contract.
• B. The authority granted by the agent's oral promise.
• C. Authority implied by the agent's performance.
• D. Authority granted by statutory declaration.

Answer: (A)

Express authority is the explicit permission given by the principal to an agent to act on the principal’s behalf, and in real estate practice this is typically set out in a written contract such as a listing or representation agreement. The written contract provides a clear, verifiable scope of powers—what the agent may do, for how long, and under what conditions—making the authority concrete and enforceable.

That clarity is why the written contract is the best choice: it defines exactly what the agent is authorized to do and provides proof if questions or disputes arise. Authority based on an oral promise can exist, but it’s harder to prove and less reliable, so it’s not as solid a basis for action. Authority implied by performance arises from duties and customary practice, not from a stated grant, so it’s not express authority. A statutory declaration isn’t about granting authority to act in the agency relationship, so it doesn’t define express authority either.