Detailed Answer

Short answer: Before you market a property in Connecticut, identify every person or entity with legal authority over the property, confirm their authority in writing, get a signed listing agreement or written consent from the authorized party or parties, and resolve disagreements (by agreement, mediation, or court) before you allow a realtor to advertise. If the property is in probate, held in a trust, or owned by multiple people who disagree, you will likely need extra steps—sometimes including court approval—to market and sell legally.

Step-by-step actions to get a realtor approved by everyone

1. Identify all decision-makers.

   Check the deed and title to see who the legal owners are. Also consider whether a trust, estate, power of attorney, partnership, corporation or homeowners association (HOA) has control or approval rights. Common decision-makers include:

   • All owners named on the deed (tenants in common, joint tenants, spouses).
   • A trustee (if the property is in a trust).
   • An executor or administrator (if the property is part of a probate estate).
   • A person holding power of attorney with authority over real estate transactions.
   • A condominium association or HOA if the governing documents restrict marketing or sales processes.
2. Verify each person’s authority with documentation.

   Ask for and review documents that establish authority before signing anything:

   • Certified copy of the deed or a recent title report.
   • Trust document (showing the trustee’s powers).
   • Letters testamentary or letters of administration from the probate court (for estate representatives). See Connecticut Probate Court resources: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/.
   • Durable power of attorney that explicitly grants authority to sell real estate (a notarized, unrevoked document).
   • Corporate or partnership resolutions (if an entity owns the property).

   Do not rely on verbal assurances. Get copies and keep them with the listing paperwork.

3. Require written consent or a signed listing agreement from the authorized party (or parties).

   A real estate listing is a binding contract between the seller(s) (or their authorized agent) and the broker. In Connecticut you should have a properly completed and signed listing agreement before the broker markets the property. If multiple owners hold title, have every owner (or every authorized signatory) sign the agreement. If a trustee or executor is signing, have the supporting authority (trust clause citation, letters, etc.) attached to the agreement.

4. Use a limited or conditional listing only with clear written authority.

   If some owners want to interview several agents first, consider a short, limited listing period or a written marketing approval form that names the agent and limits marketing actions (e.g., “do not host open houses until all owners consent”). Make the limits explicit in writing and attach them to the listing agreement.

5. Address disputes before marketing.

   If owners disagree about which realtor to use, consider these options:

   • Negotiate an agreement (split listing, rotation of agent selection, or a neutral process to pick the agent).
   • Use mediation or neutral third-party facilitation to reach consent.
   • If negotiation fails, one owner may seek a court remedy such as a partition action to sell the property over others’ objections. Connecticut courts handle partition and other property disputes; see the Connecticut General Assembly and Judicial Branch resources: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/ and https://www.jud.ct.gov/. Court involvement can take months and add costs.
6. If the property is part of a probate estate or trust, confirm any required court or trustee procedures.

   Executors and administrators may need explicit probate court approval to sell estate real property depending on the terms of the will and Connecticut probate rules. Trustees must follow the trust’s directions; some trusts grant broad sale authority, others require beneficiary consent or court approval. Contact the probate court or consult the trust document; see Connecticut Probate resources: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/.

7. Check for liens, encumbrances, and mortgage lender requirements.

   A title search will reveal mortgages, tax liens, mechanic’s liens or judgments that could affect the sale. A lender typically does not block marketing, but the payoff and lien release are required at closing. If the lender must approve a sale (for example in short-pay or assumption scenarios), obtain that approval in writing before marketing.

8. Review HOA or condominium rules and required disclosures.

   Condo or HOA documents sometimes require the association’s approval for marketing, set showing rules, or impose resale certificates and fee disclosures. Get any required association documents and comply with Connecticut disclosure rules before advertising. For licensing and consumer information about real estate professionals in Connecticut, see the Department of Consumer Protection: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP.

9. Document everything and keep records.

   Keep signed listing agreements, consents, authority documents, emails showing approvals, and any mediation or settlement agreements together. Written documentation reduces the risk of later disputes and gives brokers the comfort to market the property.

10. When to involve an attorney.

    Talk to a Connecticut real estate attorney if:

    • Ownership or authority is unclear.
    • One or more owners oppose listing or sale.
    • The property is in probate or a trust and the required approvals are uncertain.
    • There are liens, pending lawsuits, or complex title issues.

    An attorney can prepare or review documents (powers of attorney, trustee certificates, listing agreements) and, if necessary, file a partition action or obtain court approval so marketing and sale are legally safe.

Common Connecticut-specific considerations

• Probate and trust procedures are handled by Connecticut Probate Courts. Executors often need letters of appointment; trustees should provide the trust pages that prove sale authority. See Connecticut Probate Court resources: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/.
• Connecticut requires that the party selling real estate be properly licensed or represented by a licensed real estate broker when a broker is used; the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection regulates licensing. Check broker licensing and consumer disclosures at: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP.
• For statutes and official laws, consult the Connecticut General Assembly website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/.

Disclaimer

This information explains common steps and Connecticut resources but is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation—especially if ownership or authority is disputed—consult a licensed Connecticut real estate attorney.

Helpful Hints

• Before meeting an agent, gather the deed, recent tax bill, mortgage statements, HOA/condo documents and any trust or probate paperwork.
• Ask potential realtors how they handle multi-owner approvals and request they prepare a simple written marketing plan to present to all owners.
• Have all owners (or authorized signatories) sign the same paper copy of the listing agreement, or use identical electronic signatures with attached authority documents.
• If an owner is out of state or unavailable, use a notarized power of attorney or attorney-in-fact with explicit real estate powers. Confirm the POA is durable and unrevoked.
• If you expect disagreement, propose a neutral selection method up front (e.g., each owner proposes one agent and you choose the agent with the best references or median commission rate).
• Keep communications factual and documented: email approvals and written meeting notes prevent later “he said, she said” disputes.
• When in doubt about whether the executor/trustee needs court approval to market, ask a probate attorney—mistaken marketing can delay a sale or create liability.