Which event would automatically cancel a listing agreement?

The owner's death automatically cancels a listing agreement because the agreement is inherently tied to the individual owner of the property. When the owner passes away, they are no longer able to fulfill the obligations of the contract, and thus, the real estate listing becomes void. This principle stems from contract law, which recognizes that personal agreements are typically extinguished upon the death of one of the parties involved, unless provisions for continuation are stipulated in the agreement itself.

In contrast, the other events mentioned do not automatically lead to the cancellation of a listing agreement. For instance, a buyer's request for a counteroffer simply pertains to negotiations and does not affect the validity of the listing agreement itself. Similarly, while a seller may choose to withdraw their property, unless there's a specific clause in the contract allowing for immediate termination, the agreement may still technically remain in effect until all contractual conditions are met. The expiration of time set in the contract is also significant, but it merely indicates the end of the agreement instead of canceling it beforehand. Thus, the inherent nature of a listing agreement in relation to the owner's status makes their death the most definitive event that leads to automatic cancellation.