Expert: Dick Dennis - 1/10/2009

Question
I put my home for sale with a realtor and signed a six month contract. I moved out of state to texas for a job. Family stayed in S.C. waiting on house to sell then would join me in texas. I got laid off at my job in texas and am returning to SC to old job. If i cancel contract to sell house do i have to pay agent and what amount?

Answer
That depends on your Realtor, Scott. Lay it on the line with him or her. Tell the truth and you could be let off without any fee of any kind. They may require that as long as you do not list with another real estate office during the remaining portion of your listing, there will be no trouble. That is probably what would happen. If worse comes to worse, you could always be very firm should anyone submit an offer. And, of course, you could make it "inopportune" to show the house at any particular time. But I think they will just take the sign down and let the listing expire. I wish you well.

Dick Dennis