1. Jane hires John to sell her motorcycle. They enter into a 30 day contract. Ten days into the contract John has found a prospective buyer and has negotiated a price and contract. Jane decides to take the motorcycle on one last joy ride and ends up crashing and totaling the motorcycle. Will Jane have to pay John’s commission on the lost sale?
2. Steven has contracted to be Alfred's agent for the sale of Alfred's home. The contract provides that the duration of this agency is 90 days. Within the third week, Steven has found a potential buyer and is involved in negotiations. Within the fourth week, Alfred notifies Steven that he is terminating the arrangement, but Steven proceeds to negotiate a sale with the potential buyer. Did Alfred have the right to terminate the agency? Were Steven's actions legally permissible? If so, what options does Steven have?