Is there any way to get out of a selling contract with a realtor? The house has been on the market since December and has had very few bites, but does get shown a lot. We have interested buyers, but would like to buy directly from us. Can I pay a fee and dissolve the realtor contract?

If you have an agreement with the agent that is exclusive, you have to pay commission. If you were unhappy with their service, you'd need to talk to them about cancelling.

Also remember that finding the buyer is only the first phase of the real estate transaction. The second phase is where it all falls apart. Someone needs to negotiate terms, buyer loan issues, inspection results, title, insurance issues, repairs, etc.

If you had bites, but no offers, it means your home was either overpriced or not up to the condition/amenties of competing homes. If people are looking, but buying somewhere else, you should have been given feedback from the buyer agents and shown new market stats.

When does the listing expire? Do you have the means to market the house yourself? Did you give him an open ended listing?

You need to ask yourself if "your" buyer was actually yours or if it was one "developed" by the listing you have. Is this someone simply attempting to work around the agent?

You did sign an agreement in good faith for a fixed period of time. You should direct your "buyer" to "your" agent and have him do the contract to best assure that an effective closing will occur. You may be able to work out a referral arrangement for a discount on the buyer side of the commission.

You do need to honor your agreements but a termination fee is often acceptable if your real intent is not just to short change your agent.... then you will probably be in for a real battle.

Realtors, we're like volunteers, isn't it great to be expected to work for free. (Funny how other people expect to get paid at their jobs....)