To avoid such predatory practices, California enacted Civil Code 1670.12 and Government Code 27280.6, which took effect January 1, 2024, prohibiting an exclusive listing agreement to last longer than 24 months or to renew such a listing for longer than 12 months.
The exclusive right to sell listing agreement is the most common type of agreement in real estate. Under this arrangement, the broker is given exclusive rights to market the property for a set period.
A listing agreement is a contract between a property owner and a real estate broker that authorizes the broker to represent the seller and find a buyer for the property. The three types of real estate listing agreements are open listing, exclusive agency listing, and exclusive right-to-sell listing.
Listing agreements are usually cancelled only with the mutual consent of the involved parties.
Once this agreement expires, your real estate agent no longer represents you. It also means your listing will officially no longer be for sale, as it will be removed from platforms like Realtor®. It will also be removed from the multiple listing service, also called the MLS.
The simplest way to terminate a listing agreement is through mutual consent. If both you and your agent agree to part ways, you can cancel the agreement without penalties.
For these reasons, the best way to go about canceling a contract with a Realtor is to simply call the broker and explain your desire to end the contract with their agent. Many reputable brokers who wish to stay in your good graces (and with the community's) will let you out of the contract.
Simply send them a letter or email stating that you are no longer working with them effective immediately. You are not obligated to work with any realtor you don't like. Cut contact after sending the message and contact the new realtor.
Simply send them a letter or email stating that you are no longer working with them effective immediately. You are not obligated to work with any realtor you don't like. Cut contact after sending the message and contact the new realtor.