If your agent fails to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the listing agreement, you may be able to terminate the contract due to a breach. Common breaches include inadequate marketing efforts, failing to communicate effectively, or not abiding by the terms specified in the agreement.
Whether you change your mind about selling, have ethical or performance concerns about the agent, or you just don't find a buyer, you can get out of a listing agreement. But before you sign one, you should understand your options for terminating a listing agreement so you don't feel stuck in a bad situation.
A listing agreement is an agency contract and is terminated by the death or incapacity of either the agent or principal, the bankruptcy of the principal, expiration of the listing, mutual agreement, renunciation by the agent, revocation by the principal, or the destruction or condemnation of the subject property.
A listing agreement should include a termination clause to outline conditions under which the property owner or real estate agent can end the contract early.
Explanation: The valid ways to terminate a listing agreement include expiration of the agreement's term, mutual agreement between the seller and the agent, and when the property sells and closes. The option that is not a valid way to terminate a listing agreement is when 'the buyer requests it'.
Why can you terminate a listing agreement? Poor communication: You may cancel a listing agreement due to an agent's poor performance. Bad marketing: Real estate is competitive, even in a seller's market. Unethical behavior: Agents have a fiduciary duty to serve a home seller honestly and ethically.
Reasons for termination might include an agent's unsatisfactory performance, the seller changing their mind about selling the property or a mutual decision to otherwise end the contract.
If you're set on canceling, send a formal request in writing, either via email or certified letter. Be sure to include your property address, the date, and a clear statement that you're terminating the agreement. If you want to work with a different agent in the future, be clear about the termination timeframe.
If I was wanting to cancel, the first thing I would do is contact the listing agent and explain why you want to cancel. Most of the time the listing agent will release you from the agreement. If they are resistant to releasing you from the agreement contact their Broker/manager and explain.