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.
Therefore, a cancellation clause is an entry in an agreement that defines who can cancel the contract as well as why and how. A good and common contract cancellation clause example is in insurance contracts, as it details how a policyholder can cancel their contract with the insurer.
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.
Can you accept parallel offers and negotiate two contracts? As a seller, you can accept parallel offers and work through them until the contract signing stage, when you have to choose the most favorable one. Although it's not ethical to lead on two buyers, the idea of having more than one offer gives you some leverage.
If you're set on canceling, send a formal request in writing, either via email or certified letter. Be sure to include your property address, the date, and a clear statement that you're terminating the agreement. If you want to work with a different agent in the future, be clear about the termination timeframe.
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.
In general, valid reasons for terminating a listing agreement include: A) Mutual agreement between the seller and agent, B) Completion of the sale, and C) Expiration of the agreed-upon time period, as these reasons reflect the successful conclusion or mutual termination of the contract.