Expert: Dick Dennis - 8/7/2006

Question
First, I would like to say thank you for being a resource. We feel so stuck. We listed with agent John of Agency HB (6 months contract). 3 months into the contract, John left HB and is with another firm. All we want is to cancel our contract with HB so we can continue with John (we really like John that is why we chose him). We called HB to cancel and the head agent there  (he is H of the HB) seemed to cooperate enough. He kept saying that he will work with John and let John dictates how it is done. But when John called to have HB signed removed, he sent us a letter saying we have obligations until the end of our contract (2.5 months) left to have his sign on our property due to their investments in marketing our property. From John, we hear that he has not sign the cancellation request (form) and has not signed the agreement compiled by John (this is mostly dictating 50% split fees, who would be listing, who would be co-listing).

We feel so abused. We want John to be able to have his sign up (he is the one doing all the open houses these days). We really hate this H guy. We feel that he is dishonest, pushy, intimidating and all he cares about is saving his face (by keeping his sign). We have only dealt with John, so why can't we get our cancellation? John has asked us to compile a letter as a final request for cancellation. We really want to, but so afraid of being sue by this H guy. He is out to get John and we maybe a pawn in the middle. Please advice us. Thanks so much.

Leanne (a first time seller who really need your help & advice). Thanks so much.

Answer
I know you really don't care, Leanne, but, yes, H does have something invested, but your satisfaction was with John and not H and his company. So, you advise H that you are taking his sign down and it will stay down. When you renew your listing in two and a half months it will be with John. In the meantime, you shall spread the bad word about H's company. When people in your neighborhood ask why the sign is down, you will make sure that everybody on your block, at least, will know about H's poor cooperation. And if that is what he wants, he shall have it.

There will be no cooperation with any agents from H's office, so he may as well come and pick up his sign.

Try that and see if it works for you. One thing I do know is that real estate companys do not like the bad word spread about them.

I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis                 dixiedee13@aol.com