In most cases, realtors do not get paid if the house does not sell. Real estate agents work on commission, meaning they only earn money when a sale successfully closes escrow. If your home sits on the market and never attracts a buyer, your agent
receives nothing for the time, marketing, and effort invested. This is one reason experienced agents are motivated to price homes correctlyand market them well from day one.
However, some listing agreements may include cancellation fees or require reimbursement for marketing expenses if you terminate the contract early. Always read your listing agreement carefully before signing. In rare cases, agents on large teams may receive a small base salary, but commission from closed sales makes up the vast majority of their income.
What Happens if You Cancel the Listing Agreement?
This is where sellers get surprised. If you sign a listing agreement and then decide to pull your home off the market, check your contract for:
- Early termination fees
- Reimbursement for marketing costs already spent
- A protection period – most agreements include a clause that says if a buyer your agent introduced comes back after the contract ends and buys the home, the agent still gets paid
These terms vary by agent and brokerage. Ask about them before you sign.
What This Means for You as a North Park Seller
In North Park, where homes regularly sell on average $900,000 to $1.5M +, your agent has a lot at stake, too. A good listing agent will invest real money into professional photography, videography, marketing, and time before your home ever goes live. That investment only pays off when your home closes. So when you hire the right agent, your goals and their goals are completely aligned.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- What happens if I need to cancel the listing agreement early?
- Are there any fees if the home does not sell?
- Is there a protection period after the contract ends?
- What marketing costs are you covering out of pocket?
Our Hassle-Free Listing Agreement
We understand that signing a listing agreement can feel like a big commitment, especially if you have had a difficult experience with a real estate agent in the past. That’s why we offer a “Hassle Free Listing Agreement.” If, for any reason, you are not happy with our services, you can cancel at any time (except, of course, if we have already secured the buyer and are in escrow). No pressure, no hard feelings.
We are confident that once you work with us, you will want to see it through to the finish line. But we would rather you feel comfortable from day one than feel locked into something that does not feel right. The McT Real Estate Group has sold well over 530 homes in North Park and surrounding neighborhoods, which speaks for itself. We show up, we do the work, always doing what is in our clients’ best interest, and we get results.
Ready to Talk About Selling in North Park?
The McT Real Estate Group has 530 closed transactions in North Park and surrounding neighborhoods. We only get paid when you do.
Start with a free home valuation to see what your North Park home is worth, or
Contact us for a no-pressure conversation.