Ask Realty Times

Question: I signed a listing contract to sell my house with a 90-day kick-out clause, meaning I can end the agreement with 90 days' notice. Recently I sent a letter to the broker to give notice Unfortunately for me, he had included a $350 fee for reimbursable expenses. It was my impression that this $350 would be payable only if the house sold and would be part of the summary transaction. During this period only one person he brought was interested in my four-year-old house and I was dissatisfied with the broker. Am I obligated to pay this amount?

Answer: I don't have access to the listing agreement, but if it says you will pay up to $350 for the broker's cash costs if the listing is terminated early then that's the deal.

The fact that you're dissatisfied with the broker does not mean the broker did not place ads, enter the property into the MLS, print flyers, post the property online, etc. Moreover, the fact that a home is only four-years old does not mean it is instantly or assuredly marketable.

"Lucky we are all thick skinned - Realtors and Brokers are the primary reasons homes don't
sell in this market - yea right!"

The Jay Shepherd Real Estate Update - RealtyTimes.com

Check out my Web site for more info on Naperville and the surrounding area 
Search for homes in Naperville and the Western Suburbs go to JayShepherdTeam.com