What must a licensee ensure before contacting an owner of an expired listing to list the property?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of compliance with the Do-Not-Call Registry when contacting homeowners. Before reaching out to an owner of an expired listing, a licensee must confirm that the owner is not registered on the Do-Not-Call list. This is crucial because making unsolicited calls to individuals on this list can result in significant penalties for real estate professionals.

When a licensee ensures that the homeowner is not listed, it demonstrates adherence to legal and ethical standards, promoting respect for consumer privacy. Following this protocol helps maintain the integrity of the real estate profession and fosters trust between potential clients and real estate agents.

The other options do not address the critical privacy regulations that affect how and when a licensee can contact property owners. For example, whether the property was listed recently or whether the licensee showed the property during its prior listing may be relevant in different contexts but do not supersede the legal requirements related to the Do-Not-Call list. Having written approval from the previous firm might also be necessary under certain circumstances, but again, it does not specifically relate to the act of contacting the owner in a manner compliant with calling regulations. Thus, ensuring compliance with the Do-Not-Call list is the priority that licensees must address