Iowa Real Estate Practice Exam

Before placing a FOR SALE sign on a listed property, a salesperson must first:

1. Notify local authorities

2. Ensure the property is ready for showing

3. Obtain the consent of the property owner

4. Provide a copy of the sign to their broker

The correct answer is: Obtain the consent of the property owner

The correct response emphasizes the importance of obtaining the property owner's consent before placing a FOR SALE sign on their property. This step is critical to ensure that the owner is fully aware and agreeable to the marketing efforts being employed to sell their property. Consent reflects the ethical and legal responsibility of the salesperson to engage with the property owner, maintaining transparency and professionalism. This requirement serves to protect the property owner's interests and rights. It also establishes clear communication between the salesperson and the property owner, fostering a collaborative relationship that is essential in any real estate transaction. While notifying local authorities, ensuring the property is ready for showing, and providing information to the broker are important in various real estate processes, they do not take precedence over obtaining the property owner's explicit permission to market the property with signage. This consent is foundational to the working relationship between the salesperson and the owner, directly impacting the success of the sales process.