In what situation may a seller terminate a listing agreement without cause?

A seller may typically terminate a listing agreement without cause during the first week of the listing because most agreements have a cooling-off period or are flexible during the initial phase. During this time, sellers might reassess their decision to sell, change their mind, or decide they would rather wait to enter the market. The intent of allowing termination without cause in this early stage is to provide sellers an opportunity to ensure they are comfortable with their choice before any significant developments or commitments occur.

The other scenarios provided do not usually allow for termination without cause. When a suitable offer is received, it usually signals that the seller is expected to proceed with the transaction rather than terminate the agreement. If an agent is underperforming, the seller might have grounds to terminate, but that typically requires cause, such as breach of duty or performance issues. Lastly, when the listing period has expired, the agreement is naturally concluded, and the seller does not need to terminate it; hence it does not apply to the context of terminating before the expiration without cause.