The seller can allow a listing to be canceled during the term of the agreement. The seller, being the owner of the property, can decide to withdraw his or her property from the market.
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.
Both principals to the listing agreement have the power to revoke the contract at any time. They do not, however, always have the right. That is, client or broker may cancel a listing but remain liable for damages to the other party.
Final answer: In terms of a real estate transaction, the ability to cancel a listing during the term of the listing agreement primarily lies with the seller and the broker.
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. Make sure to document this agreement in writing, as it will serve as evidence in case of any disputes later on.
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 are typically automatically terminated under the following conditions: Expiration of the Listing Agreement: If the time period specified in the agreement comes to an end without a sale, the agreement automatically expires.
If this contract wasn't required by your agent, then you may fire them at any time without penalty. However, if you signed a buyer-broker agreement, then the contract is legally binding and can be terminated only if both sides agree, or if there's a breach of the contract's conditions.