Expired MLS Listings

[Andrea Mas]

Hi all,

Several properties that I have found interest in on the MLS have been cancelled or expired. I've been in the process of relocating and wasn't ready to make offers earlier this year when they were active. I looked up what a cancelled status on the MLS means and one article states: "a cancelled listing is completely terminated on the agreed upon date and time between the seller and the listingagent/broker." So I was wondering about the legality of contacting the home owner to see if they still had interest in selling and if so, arranging for that with my broker. If it's legal, I kind of thought it could be a win-win for me, the seller and my broker who could then get the full commission. But of course if this poses any sort of legal or ethical violation, I don't want to go there! I haven't ever heard of anyone doing this before so I'm not sure if it would be a valid way to go about being "creative" in a really tough market. 

Thanks for any helpful insights!