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.
There is no unilateral right to terminate the Exclusive Right of Sale Listing Agreement. If the broker agrees, the agent can use the Modification to Listing Agreement form. The document offers two options, listed midway through the form: conditional termination and unconditional termination.
You should use the Listing Cancellation Form when you wish to terminate an existing listing agreement with your real estate agent.
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.
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.
The listing agreement is a legally binding contract between the broker and the seller, so any modifications or amendments to the contract need to be agreed upon and documented in writing by all parties. This ensures that there is a clear record of the changes made to the listing agreement.