Posted by Carmen_FL on October 27, 2000 at 08:30:59:
The listing contract will spell out what has been agreed to. The seller can cancel with the Realtor; you are allowed to “fire” your Realtor at any time - however, some Realtors charge a “transaction” fee, others do not. Some Realtors will let you out easy, no questions asked; others are decent and will move on if they see they cannot help you; others will fight tooth and nail for whatever they believe they are entitled to. If the Realtor has a buyer, or has shown the house to anyone who buys the house within a certain period of time, they may still be entitled to a commission. Again, the listing contract should spell most of this out.
Carmen is correct, you got to read the listing. However, regardless of what is says, keep asking them until you get what you want. And if they release it, get it in writing and that you owe nothing, or whatever you agree to. You have to realize that agents feel you’re taking money out of their pocket when you ask for the listing back. So they are usually crabby and uncooperative.