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.
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.
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.
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.
Below is a selected list of some transactions in which North Carolina consumers generally have a right to cancel the contract, typically within three days of the transaction. However, there are exceptions and qualifications to the right to cancel, some of which are noted below.
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.
Termination clauses can always be customized but standard ones are included in almost every agreement.
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.
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.