Special offer
Sally K. & David L. Hanson, WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce  (EXP Realty 414-525-0563)

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Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Yes and it felt so good.

Oct 24, 2015 10:47 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I didn't ask.... I signed a release and demanded it be signed...removed the lockbox, sign and returned the key.... that was the first day of the listing.... he thought he was a dictator .... wrong.

Oct 25, 2015 12:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,634
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Yes, once, my very first listing when I got to San Diego. The seller over priced it against my advice, but I was new in town and wanted to have a listing. 3 months later, after 2-3 of his temper tantrums over why no one was coming to see it, I said " I need to end our relationship, you won't take my professional-advice, so I can't help you. I shared with you that overpricing is the equivalent to running head first into a brick wall. That I was warning you about the dangers of  the wall. You still smacked into it, then yelled at me, for getting hurt. I'm respectfully done here sir." He called my broker to file a complaint on me. Fortunately my broker knew the story in weekly play by play, as I'd been seeking his advice all along and defended me. That was my one and only because I learned that lesson; overpriced? Save your time & money (and joy)- bye bye now.

Oct 24, 2015 11:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

We recently released two new homes from a builder who wouldn't listen to what we told him about the market. He built the wrong type of house for the neighborhood, would never reduce the price, would not landscape properly among other things. In the end he wanted a miracle worker not a REALTOR® and got abusive about our inability to sell. Evindently, the miracle worker he hired 90 days ago after we released him hasn't sold them either. It is not worth our time to stay with sellers like this and we should respect the definition of insanity.

Oct 24, 2015 10:27 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have a few times told the seller that I have done all I can but it isn't working and maybe they want to try someone else

Oct 24, 2015 11:46 PM
Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

No, I haven't but I realize sometimes things can be uncomfortable for various reasons.

A suggestion if you might be having a dilemma is to bring a co-listing partner onto the listing. That way the seller still gets the value of your expertise, but at the same time, the other agent can provide the "service" part of the equation. Just a suggestion. 

Oct 24, 2015 10:23 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Yes.  Actually before it hit the market.  It was not meant to be.  A very good decision.   

Oct 25, 2015 12:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

No; we have fired our sellers, but only rarely.

Oct 25, 2015 12:40 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Yes I have suggested it when there have not been any showings and the sellers can't reduce the price.

Oct 24, 2015 10:47 PM
Rainmaker
316,098
Robert Smith
Preview Properties, PC - http://www.RealEstateMich.com - Brighton, MI
SRES, Search for Homes Brighton-Howell-SE Michigan

Not in those exact words, but yes. It was more along the lines of, "every now and then I take a listing that doesn't seem to work out. I think you owe it to yourself to try another agent," or something like that.  He went right along with it.

Oct 25, 2015 12:04 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Yes. Seller would not sign very good purchase offer after all items negotiated.

Oct 24, 2015 10:24 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,129
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

No. However, I have had some REO listings that were a pain.

Oct 28, 2015 01:27 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I've never asked, but a few times I just told them I was doing so. (I offer all listing clients my Easy Exit Listing Agreement which lets them fire me if I don't do the job, but it also lets me fire them if they don't do their part.)

Oct 25, 2015 08:04 PM
Rainer
392,768
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

Yes, I have told a seller that I was not the right agent for them.  Of course this was after they criticized the photos of the home and especially of the bathroom because the decorative towels didn't look good. Followed by them turning down 4 showings in one week.  The property did finally sell after they had 5 Realtors and reduced the price by $40,000.

Oct 25, 2015 07:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Just did one. I did not request it I told them on Tuesday, our contract is absolved. I couldn't stand it any more & the 1st thing out of the sellers mouth was 'you can't do that'. I did & I am.

Oct 25, 2015 12:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Sally K. & David L. Hanson Yes, I have.

Oct 25, 2015 12:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,731,203
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

Only once in 11 years ....sometimes you just have to say ....Goodbye!

Oct 25, 2015 10:36 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

No - but would not hesitate to fire them for cause if it became clear that was the best for all concerned.

Oct 25, 2015 08:00 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Yes I have asked the seller to do that and once I stated all my reasons why, he promised that he would straighten up and fly right. And he actually did.

Oct 25, 2015 07:59 AM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

No. But there have been a few that I did not ask for extensions when they expired.

Oct 25, 2015 06:52 AM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

i have seen it happen, i think it is the confirmation that a mistake was made... i dont think its a bad thing.. probably not done enough

Oct 25, 2015 06:52 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I've done it twice, and one of those times it was not pretty.  They wanted me!  I couldn't stand them!  We finally got another agent in my office who took the listing over.  Now I add language to my listing agreements saying that either party may get out of it with a little notice.  If you let them know at the onset that this is a possibility, they tend to behave really nicely.

Oct 25, 2015 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
657,208
Martin E. Kalisker, Esq.
Natick, MA
Real Estate Law From A Practical Perspective

Once - it was a corporate relocation through my former franchiser. I was told that I could not because of the relationship between the mobility management company and the corporate client -- even though everyone, including the corporate client acknowledged that the employee was the devil reincarnated. However, when the seller started to violate fair housing laws, I had to put my foot down and insist that the home become immediate "inventory" property so that my principal would change and I could do my job.

Oct 25, 2015 06:03 AM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I canceled two listings this year, which is fairly rare for me. In one situation, I asked if the seller would like me to cancel the listing because I would be very happy to do so. In the second I just said there would be no hard feelings if she would prefer I cancel the listing. Just because people are nasty with me is no reason for me to be nasty to them. But I do not work with the a-holes of the world. They are always nice to you when you start out.

Can't say I ever canceled due to overpricing. Eventually that scenario works out.

Oct 25, 2015 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Sally and David,

Yes, after they went back on their word to lower the price...and I love Barbara Todaro's approach.  A

Oct 25, 2015 05:25 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Only once, the seller would call every day for an update, i would give it to him. Then late at night he would call drunk swearing i never called him. Finally enough was enough. 

Oct 25, 2015 05:18 AM
Ambassador
2,323,825
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Yes and No.. I didn't ask.. I said something like this, "Let's you and I agree to terminate this listing agreement.  It's quite obvious that somewhere the communication between the two of us was not clear enough to enter into this agreement so that a clear common goal could be reached in a reasonable amount of time."  

Oct 25, 2015 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

No, but a few times I have offered to let the seller out of his contract for a variety of reasons mostly having to do with price. They never took me up on it and in all cases lowered it. Guess that was the final wakeup call for them.

Oct 25, 2015 04:18 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

Yes...particularly when the seller was unrealistic about his or her home price.

Oct 25, 2015 01:00 AM
Rainmaker
690,836
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Never asked if I could be released; on occasion it is necessary to terminate the listing agreement, when the seller is not cooperative, or when price adjustments are not forthcoming and they constantly make demands but will not follow your guidance. As someone else said, it's like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

Oct 27, 2015 11:29 AM
Rainer
243,887
Jaretta Buckholtz
Pearson Smith Realty, LLC - Manassas, VA
Passionate-Professional-Patient

I recently had an experience where, even though we had written it in the contract to revisit the price if the home was not getting the interest she was looking for, we never did.  I wanted to get out of the contract so badly, but I stuck it out because I really liked my client.  The home did not sell and it was six months wasted - except for the experience - I am still new at this.

I would happily, from now on, ask to be released from the contract if that would ever happen again.  But I guess in all fairness, I do not think I set the expectations as clearly as I needed with her.  I figured that since she has purchased and sold several homes in the past, she would understand the market a bit better.

Oct 26, 2015 11:28 PM
Ambassador
2,061,756
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I haven't asked to be released.

I'm a real estate agent, and therefore a type-a personality.  I don't like leaving my future in someone else's hands.  So I haven't asked to be released.

but I have fired sellers in the past.

Oct 26, 2015 02:16 PM
Rainmaker
90,543
Debra Peters
Referral Realty - Manorville, NY
NY Real Estate Salesperson

Hello Sally K. & David L. Hanson 

I didn't ask them to be released from a listing, I told them that I would not be representing them anymore. The Seller's were discriminatory as well as rumors being spread about what a certain neighbor would do. 

 

Oct 26, 2015 09:00 AM
Rainmaker
732,712
Tracy Lee Parker
RE/MAX DFW Associates - Royse City, TX
Buy*Sell*Rent

I have a few times, but the one I vividly remember was the one who yelled at me on the phone over price, pictures, what was I doing to sell their house? AND how dare I suggest they remove  the caged squirrel & snakes they raised from a baby?...BUT when I went over in person they were so nice!! They eventually sold at lower price with another agent. 

Oct 26, 2015 03:41 AM
Rainmaker
516,983
Rain Silverhawk
Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com - Sandpoint, ID
208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor

Yes i have. Life is way too short and i am not about to be abused by a client. I am here to help but someone that asks for my expertise and then dismisses the answers and fights me all the way, it is not worth the money or time that i put into listings.

Oct 25, 2015 11:51 PM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

I haven't asked, I've just done it.  It's only happened twice, and it was early in our careers.  

Oct 25, 2015 11:50 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

We don't need to ask so no.

Oct 25, 2015 05:17 PM
Rainmaker
323,664
Fred Cope
Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN - Nashville, TN
Looking For Homes With A Smile

One of the beauties of helping borderline buyers is "They have learned to listen, or they have vanished from the scene.  For several years I avoided taking listings, and have only recently started back.  I have listed homes for buyers needing to sell to moveup, and family members leaving town, etc.  Pricing strategy is agreed upon before marketing begins.  I give them a range and a list of potential obstacles such as trying to market a recent purchase in a subdivision with active new construction, or trying to recoupe all cost of upgrades, maintenance, and choises by preference, such as tearing down a perfectly good deck to reconfigure and enlarge.  Location issues such as excess traffic and/or difficult driveway access. Trying to recoupe closing costs from a misguided decision to refinance, etc. 

The buyers have no interest in paying for Sellers' mistakes, and even tend to argue that has to be fixed.  One guy didn't want salesmen coming to his front door so he demolished the front steps.  Sometimes, I think about selling tickets to conversations I have with folks like this.  I tell the seller that I will make every effort to insure they receive top dollar, but in the end I can only present the offers made by buyers.  When it is obvious, and I hope early in the process.  I recently suggested a seller consider trying someone else for 90 days; and at the end of that period, they can consider who they want to  and at what price.  I do not expect to hear from them, but  figure it may wedge them away from their pricing intrenchment. 

I am enjoying talking with sellers, and with my daughter now having her license, I will work more listings.  We are looking forward to the adventure.

Oct 25, 2015 11:21 AM
Ambassador
3,164,269
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Yes, I always release anyone who asks for any reason.  No one deal is worth someone talking bad about my firm.

That being said I've been asked only a few times over the years and generally because they decided not to sell at that time.

Oct 25, 2015 06:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

As a buyers agent I have had clients that wouldn't follow one bit of advice, and that only means one thing . . . nothing I can do to help them.  

Oct 25, 2015 04:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Sally K. & David L. Hanson I do not recall asking the seller to be released from the contract.

If they don't keep it the way it is expected, I let them know that home will not sell - and let it expire. I used to be sensitive about canceling and expiring of listings - not any more.

Oct 25, 2015 01:38 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

No, but I have thought about releasing sellers from their contract prematurely before. 

Oct 25, 2015 01:29 AM
Rainmaker
516,437
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

Yes!

Nov 13, 2015 04:39 AM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Sally & David,
That has never happened. I am a bull dog, probably to my detriment, that I will get that house sold.

Nov 10, 2015 06:36 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

I released myself from a contract.  Seller had property listed with another company for a while.  We met on facebook. They wanted to lease or sell (for their predetermined $)  Long story short.. I found a buyer, they changed their mind. Got a lease contract soon after.  Homeowners refused to pay to have carpets cleaned or change locks by a locksmith.  It's 11 acre horse property, why clean it & they could change locks.  I did get renters in but cancelled management contract with a letter explaining I didn't believe we could work together.  Picked up my sign, lockbox and wished them well with the lease. What a relief I felt. 

Oct 31, 2015 05:46 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Never asked ... I've done it unilaterally.  Of course, we were no in contract with a buyer so I was able to easily do that.

Oct 29, 2015 09:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,577,943
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Yes I have, a couple times. Once was when they refused offers unless I lowered my agreed commission significantly. The other was because they refused to really allow the home to be shown, making it very difficult. 

Oct 28, 2015 09:17 AM