How to end it
Read your agreement
Find three things: when the agreement ends, whether it has a notice section that says how termination must be sent, and whether it has a protection period. Those decide what your email needs to say.
Put it in writing
Email your broker that you are ending the agreement, the date it ends, and why, such as the performance you were promised and did not get. Keep it short and factual.
Get it acknowledged
Ask your broker to reply and confirm the agreement is terminated. A written termination with your broker's written acknowledgement is a clear record that the relationship has ended.
- Your email and their reply
Keep the record
Save both emails. In Colorado you need a new written agreement before another broker can work for you, and the new broker may ask to see that the old one ended.
When performance is the reason
No broker should hold you to an agreement when they are not doing the work they promised. Before you sign, agree on what that work is, so it is easy to tell later:
- How many prospects they will contact, and how
- Tours, inquiries and offers, reported as they happen
- A review of results at least every 30 days
- How fast they answer your calls and emails
If you cannot see what your broker is doing for you, ask for it in writing. If the answer does not come, that is your answer.
What can still apply after it ends
- A protection period. Many agreements say a commission is still owed if you buy, sell or lease with someone the broker introduced, within a set number of days after the agreement ends. Ask for the list of names in writing.
- Deals already under contract. Ending the agreement usually does not undo a deal that is already signed.
- A second agreement. If you sign with a new broker before the old agreement ends, you could owe two commissions on the same deal.
How we handle it
Your Innovate listing dashboard shows every call, inquiry, tour and offer, so you always know whether we are doing the work. If we are not delivering what we promised, send us an email. We will confirm the termination in writing, with no pressure to stay.
This is a plain language summary, not legal advice. Your agreement's own terms control. Ask your attorney about your situation.
Common follow up questions
Is an email enough to end my agreement with a broker?
With Innovate, yes: send us an email and we will confirm in writing. With other brokers, a written email the broker acknowledges in writing is usually enough. If your agreement says notice must be sent a specific way, follow that too.
Can I end a listing agreement early?
Often, yes. Check whether your agreement has an early termination section. If it does not, ask your broker to agree to end it in writing. No broker should hold you to an agreement when they are not meeting the performance they promised.
Will I still owe a commission after I end the agreement?
Possibly, if your agreement has a protection period and you close with someone the broker introduced during it. Ask your broker for those names in writing when the agreement ends.
What if my broker will not acknowledge the termination?
Send the notice the way your agreement requires and keep proof that you sent it. You can also contact the brokerage's managing broker, and speak with an attorney if the broker still will not release you.
This page is general information, not lending, legal or tax advice. Programs, limits and terms change, and every situation is different. Talk with your lender, attorney and CPA before you decide.