Problem
Dennis and Donna Smith owned a 10-acre tract of land that they decided to sell. The couple entered into a listing agreement with Kelly McLaughlin, a licensed real estate broker. The agreement gave Kelly the exclusive right to sell the property for a period of 6 months. The Smiths agreed to pay Kelly a 6% commission of the selling price if a buyer was found during the listing period. Four months later, the Smiths sent Kelly a letter terminating the listing agreement. Kelly did not approve of the conditions. One month later, Kelly presented a full price offer to the Smiths; however, they ignored the offer and sold the property to another buyer. Kelly sued the Smiths for breach of the agency agreement.
a) Which party wins the lawsuit?
b) Did the Smiths act ethically in this case?