First off, without a defined expiration date, you didn't have a ratified listing agreement. Second, in California, as of 2024, you cannot have a listing agreement term for longer than 24 months, and if you essentially had an indefinite listing agreement, this would be unlawful.
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.
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.
Listing agreements should have a clause for the term of the contract and instructions on how to cancel - for example; it may read that the listing agreement may be canceled with a 30-day advanced written notice. The listing brokerage may have a form that needs to be completed.
Termination clauses can always be customized but standard ones are included in almost every agreement.
In conclusion, terminating a buyer or real estate representation agreement in Texas requires following the terms of the agreement and providing written notice of termination.
You can indeed cancel a real estate listing agreement in California. Sellers might be asking themselves, “under what circumstances?” And the answer to that is: almost any. Maybe you changed your mind and you decided you don't want to sell your house after all.
Contract Terms: Your agreement might have specific conditions to be met before you can terminate. Time Commitments: Many listing agreements have a set period. You might need to wait until this period is over.
The Termination Process Study Your Contract: Look for any specific instructions about how to end the agreement. Understand Acceptable Reasons: Your contract might list specific reasons that allow you to terminate. Talk to Your Agent: Before you do anything official, try talking to your agent.
A standard three-day cancellation clause—Many real estate contracts give either party to the right to terminate for any reason within 72 hours of signing the contract. The denial of financing—As a general rule, real estate agreements are contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing.