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.
The simplest way to terminate a listing agreement is through mutual consent. If both you and your agent agree to part ways, you can cancel the agreement without penalties. Make sure to document this agreement in writing, as it will serve as evidence in case of any disputes later on.
If this contract wasn't required by your agent, then you may fire them at any time without penalty. However, if you signed a buyer-broker agreement, then the contract is legally binding and can be terminated only if both sides agree, or if there's a breach of the contract's conditions.
Among the options given, 'nonpayment of the commission by the seller' would not necessarily result in the termination of a listing. However, the other scenarios, such as the expiration of the contract, death or incapacity of the broker, and destruction of the improvements on the property, may lead to termination.
A listing agreement is an agency contract and is terminated by the death or incapacity of either the agent or principal, the bankruptcy of the principal, expiration of the listing, mutual agreement, renunciation by the agent, revocation by the principal, or the destruction or condemnation of the subject property.
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.
Under the death of the seller (principal) of the property listing agreement be automatically terminated. A listing agreement is a contract between a property owner and a real estate agent or broker, granting the agent authority to act on the owner's behalf for the sale of the property.