Online House Hunting

Obligation to use realtors?

Hi. This question may likely irk realtors reading this. But am hoping to get answers from all sides. I recently listed my house with a local realtor. Though it may sound made-up, a week or 2 prior to contacting the realtor I called a number that was on a postcard from one of the services that offer to buy your home from you. I figured this would be a quicker process than listing / showing the house. However, because the postcard was dated the phone number was no longer active. So I proceeded with the realtor. Just this weekend I received an updated postcard from the same service. So I called the number and the person says they are indeed very interested in buying, would only buy directly from me at a price not including realtor's commission, else they cannot flip the house for a profit. The person informs me that I can simply terminate my listing agreement, and pay a breakage fee. Then I'm free to sell the house to him. Other than bad business practice, do I have a legal leg to stand on if I do break the listing agreement? Does the fact that I did attempt to contact this service prior to my listing agreement, and that it was my intent to not use a realtor at the time help? I am indeed committed to paying commissions to the realtor on any other buyers, but feel with this buyer the circumstances preceded my business dealing with the realtor. The language in the listing agreement says commission is earned / payable upon any sale of the property by seller to anyone at any price on any terms. Based on this I don't believe I have an "out" like the buying service person says. I definitely don't want to be mislead by him, so he can buy the house, only to find out I was foolish to think I can break my listing agreement that simple. Please advise. Thanks in advance.

Public Comments

1. You do not have an out. The sale will not close escrow until the agent is paid in full. That postcard person did inform you that they only ppay 60% of the appraisal?
2. Hi, Brian Evans advices might suit you well. http://budurl.com/foreclosuregold He has handled this kind of situation after helping thousands of people with problems in dealing realtors and all. Hope this resolves the issue.
3. Like Landlord pointed out in her answer, this postcard person will probably only give you 60% of the appraised value. You would be better off selling it through your realtor.