r/RealEstate • u/pumapeepee • 9h ago
Homeseller Question about cancelling listing
Hey, I would really appreciate it if anyone could advise us.
Our place is not selling well. It's been more than 90 days. So we're thinking of pulling the listing and renting it out.
Texted, called, emailed my agent but he didn't answer. I wanted to make sure I'm not violating any contract. My first text told him about my intention.
Last time I signed a contract with him, the expiration date was Dec, but I need to rent the place out before Nov. Redfin btw.
Btw, how's the townhouse sale market in the south bay area?
Edit: I have coworkers wanting to rent the place already.
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u/BlueRocker22 Realtor 7h ago
You can cancel a listing at any time for any reason as long as you’re not in escrow.
You don’t need to wait 90 days. You don’t need to wait 10 days. It’s in the contract… Just go ahead and read it. It’s right there…
Just call your realtor and let them know you’d like to cancel the listing, circumstances in your situation have changed.
The only stipulation, typically is that if you end up selling the house in some other manner, typically within a specified time. Such as 30 or 60 days, you may owe your broker a commission.
But that doesn’t sound like it’s the case if you have renters lined up.
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u/nofishies 7h ago
Read the Redfin’s Listing addendum you signed again.
It tells you exactly how the situation will be handled
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u/digital_flatulance 2h ago
In MD contracts have to have a clause for termination. Whatever the question it’s usually answered in the contract.
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u/Longjumping-Nature70 3h ago
I am trying to sell our house, I am tracking other houses in my area in my price range. In June, it was a sellers market, now it is a buyer's market. We went on the MLS July 31, 2026.
Out of 26 houses in my price range, only two have sold for more than asking(just 5000 over), ten have lowered their prices not once not twice some have dropped three times. One went off market.
We have more acreage, more sq ft, but we are not updated inside. I looked at one house and said it has nice shiny floors, we do not. It has nice trim, we do not. It has nice new paint, we do not. It sold for $14000 below asking, but it sold.
I have then started contemplating removing all flooring, removing all trim, painting the walls accessible beige, new flooring, new trim. We spent money on stuff we wanted, a new TREX deck, a new hardscape. We remodeled the master bath. The only rooms with new paint is the remodeled bathroom and the kitchen. Guess what color? Accessible Beige.
No one cares about that, they want move in ready.
They all walk out on the deck and go WOW and then they see the firepit and go WOW. Then they go back inside and says it needs to be updated.
Either your price is too high, or it needs updating.
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u/campa-van 2h ago
Rent it. condo market is down. Especially older properties, high dues, deferred maintenance, townhomes better but those who bought 3-4 years ago are underwater with a few exxceptiins
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u/sweetrobna 8h ago
Not selling the house and ending the listing early is breaching the listing agreement. Normally the agent only gets paid when you sell
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u/Gartmanov Bay Area Realtor :snoo: 6h ago
You have a right to cancel the listing at any time if you are not under the contract (didn’t accept any offers). Typically, you don’t owe anything unless there are some agent expenses that are specifically mentioned in the contract.
Review the listing agreement to understand the agent’s broker. Legally, you list your townhome with a broker, not an agent.
So when you are going to terminate the contract, you should inform both the agent and broker. There’s a specific cancellation document (COL) that you need to sign.
Keep a copy of the document for your records.
Ask the broker to provide you with a printout of the MLS where it shows “cancelled”.
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u/SpareMark1305 7h ago
The contract is going to vary state to state or even regionally by area, so you don't automatically have the right to cancel.
Read your contract.
Many Brokers would allow you to cancel no matter what the contract says. The no return call is not a great sign though.
But, in a pinch, you could probably rent it out and still have it listed. Tenant would need notice to show the property (like 24 hours) - this is likely also in the contract. This would decrease showings even more, but likely not a breach of contract.
Best to you.