Dear George: I listed my home with a Texas REALTOR®. She showed the home to a couple who was interested, but the listing contract expired before they submitted an offer. I listed my home with another REALTOR®. Within the protection period of the first listing agreement, the indecisive couple decided to buy the home. But the new REALTOR® says I have to pay her a commission. I don’t care who gets the commission; I just want to sell my house. Who is right?

Answer: The second REALTOR®, the one with the current listing is correct. Although the second REALTOR® listed your property within the protection period set out by the first REALTOR®, that second REALTOR®’s listing essentially cuts off the first REALTOR®’s protection period.

E-mail a question to ask George & Chuck or fax it to 713-978-6684. The answers to questions in this column do not contain legal advice. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult your own attorney.