What is the term for the defined action that leads a buyer to purchase a property?

The term "procuring cause" refers to the specific action or series of actions that directly lead a buyer to decide to purchase a property. In real estate, this is a critical concept as it often pertains to determining which agent or broker should receive a commission for a sale. The procuring cause is considered to be the last significant event or activity that set off a chain of events leading to the transaction.

For example, if an agent shows a property to a buyer and that buyer later buys the property, the agent's actions are typically viewed as the procuring cause of the sale. This term is grounded in the principle of agency, which establishes the rights and responsibilities between agents and clients during a real estate transaction.

Understanding this term is important for real estate practitioners as it impacts not only commission disputes but also how agents lead their clients throughout the purchasing journey.