Listed with an agent but I found the client. Help?

[Allen Lopez]

Hey everyone, so about a month ago, I listed my property with a realtor. The realtor has not even had a showing. All he did was posted it up for sale in the MLS and took photos, with his iphone to post. I trying to be proactive I went ahead and also posted it up for sale on Facebook and told people about it via word to mouth. I have found a buyer who is interested. I showed him the property since my realtor was on vacation last week. Is there anything I can do to get out of the contract with the realtor and sell the property by owner since I did all the work. It doesn’t seem fair that I still have to give 6% up for nothing. I mean I guess he tried and took pictures, but is that even worth 6%? I don’t think so, especially since he went on vacation for two weeks. Thoughts?

[Doug Shapiro]

Hi @Allen Lopez,

Read through the contract you signed with the agent carefully to see if there is anything you can do.  Unfortunately if you signed an exclusive right to sell with the agent, then it probably says that even if you procure a buyer on your own you will owe the listing agent the 6%.  

Out of principle, it doesn't seem right that you would owe an agent 6% for a buyer you found (also I'm assuming the buyer doesn't have a real estate agent?).  Maybe you can have a discussion with your agent to pose a hypothetical like "Hello agent, I have some extra time on my hands and wanted to get your thoughts on this.  I want to reach out to friends and acquaintances to see if anyone is interested in buying my property. If I find a buyer on my own can the commission fee be reduced to X%?"