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.
The short answer is yes, a seller can cancel a contract — but only under particular circumstances. Even then, the seller will likely face consequences, as the laws around real estate contracts tend to favor the buyer over the seller.
Termination clauses can always be customized but standard ones are included in almost every agreement.
Contract Terms: Your agreement might have specific conditions to be met before you can terminate. Time Commitments: Many listing agreements have a set period. You might need to wait until this period is over.
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.
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 I was wanting to cancel, the first thing I would do is contact the listing agent and explain why you want to cancel. Most of the time the listing agent will release you from the agreement. If they are resistant to releasing you from the agreement contact their Broker/manager and explain.
The Termination Process Study Your Contract: Look for any specific instructions about how to end the agreement. Understand Acceptable Reasons: Your contract might list specific reasons that allow you to terminate. Talk to Your Agent: Before you do anything official, try talking to your agent.