California case law suggests that where the listing agreement has a fixed term, it may not be unilaterally terminated by the agent (though the client may unilaterally terminate). The agent may "renounce" the agency, but if the client is damaged by the renunciation, the client may sue for damages.
California's Home Solicitation Sales Act – allows the buyer in almost any consumer transaction involving $25 or more, which takes place in the buyer's home or away from the seller's place of business, to cancel the transaction within three business days after signing the contract.
If the buyer/homeowner has not received the required Notice of his or her Three Day Right to Cancel, then the contract may be cancelled at any time until the required form of notice thereof is provided to them. Civil Code § 1689.6.
The 2024 “click to cancel” amendment stipulates that California consumers must be allowed to cancel in the “same medium” they used to sign up for the subscription or in which they are accustomed to interacting with the business.
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.
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.
In some cases, you may be able to unilaterally cancel the listing agreement, but this is typically more challenging and may involve legal consequences. To do so, you must demonstrate that there was a legitimate reason for the cancellation, such as the agent's misconduct or a significant change in your circumstances.
Once contracts have been exchanged, the transaction becomes legally binding. This means that if the buyer or seller decides to drop out of the transaction, they will most likely face financial penalties. Both solicitors then agree on a completion date.
The most amicable way to exit a contract is to have a frank and honest conversation with the parties involved. This is an opportunity to share why one cannot proceed with the contract in the first place. As long as both parties can come to a suitable agreement, then the agreement can be changed or terminated.