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.
If the contract does not include a right of rescission, the buyer may only cancel the contract if the seller is in default or if there is a provision in the contract that allows for termination.
All that is required in California is to notify the listing agent in writing.
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.
While terminating a listing agreement is an option, it should be considered a last resort after exploring all possible avenues for communication and clarification. For Ontario-specific insights, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) offer valuable resources.
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.