All that is required in California is to notify the listing agent in writing.
Taking Action Ask for a release: The time to ask about canceling a listing is when you sign the listing contract. Request a release in writing: Tell your agent immediately if you want to cancel. Ask to be assigned another agent: Realize that your listing is between the brokerage and you, not you and your agent.
You should use the Listing Cancellation Form when you wish to terminate an existing listing agreement with your real estate agent.
During the review period, which is in place to protect the people on both sides of a transaction, sellers can legally back out. The seller has a contingency in the contract. Like buyers, sellers can build in contingencies, too.
Taking Action Ask for a release: The time to ask about canceling a listing is when you sign the listing contract. Request a release in writing: Tell your agent immediately if you want to cancel. Ask to be assigned another agent: Realize that your listing is between the brokerage and you, not you and your agent.
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.
Termination clauses can always be customized but standard ones are included in almost every agreement.