Protection periods

George Stephens, CRB, and Charles J. "Chuck" Jacobus, JD | Advice columnists

May 17, 2010

Dear George: The listing contract with my REALTOR® expires this week. How long am I obligated to him after the contract expires?

Answer: Look in Section 5 of your listing contract, the Residential Real Estate Listing Agreement, Exclusive Right to Sell. You'll see an entry under Broker's Fee called Protection Period. The days entered in the blank (Item 1) specify the number of days that you're obligated to your REALTOR®. Items 2 and 3 contain exceptions to the number of days comprising the protection period. If the blank doesn't contain a number, you're no longer committed to the REALTOR® once your
contract expires.

E-mail a question to ask George & Chuck or fax it to 713-978-6684. The answers to questions in this column do not contain legal advice. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult your own attorney.

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