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.
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.
All that is required in California is to notify the listing agent in writing.
Dear Real Estate Agent/Broker Name, I am writing to inform you of my decision to cancel the real estate contract we entered into on date contract was signed. The property in question is located at property address. Please consider this letter as my official notice of cancellation.
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.
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.
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.
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.