by Teryn Bonime www.teryndowntheroad.com

Often, real estate agents simply send over their buyer’s offer via email with a quick note essentially stating “here you go.” The disadvantage to the seller is that he/she doesn’t get a chance to learn about who the buyers are and doesn’t get a chance to learn why the offer was written the way it was.  As a seller, wouldn’t it make sense to hear what the buyer’s agent has to say? Did you know as a seller it is your right to have the offer presented to you by the buyer’s agent?

If you choose that you do not want offers presented by the buyer’s agent, you must give written instructions to your listing agent who must then forward on to all buyers agents.

Here is the rule from our local MLS:

9.6 Right of Cooperating Broker in Presentation of Offer.  The cooperating broker has the right to participate in the presentation of any offer to purchase he or she secures.  The cooperating broker does not have the right to be present at any discussion or evaluation of that offer by the seller(s) and the listing broker.  However, if the seller(s) give written instructions to the listing broker requesting that the cooperating broker not be present when an offer the cooperating broker secured is presented, the cooperating broker shall convey the offer to the listing broker for presentation.  In such event, the cooperating broker shall have the right to receive a copy of the seller’s(s’) written instructions from the listing broker.  Nothing in this section diminishes or restricts the listing broker’s right to control the establishment of appointments for offer presentations.

Now, this doesn’t mean that the buyer’s agent can ask you any questions. The purpose of presenting offers in person is for the buyer’s agent to respond to questions from the seller and/or the listing agent. It is not an opportunity for the buyer’s agent to ask questions of the sellers or the seller’s agent.

(I bet you are wondering about the selection of the photo above… My husband likes to say “presentation is everything.” That goes for the fly you are presenting at the end of your fishing rod and the food you are presenting to guests. Same with presenting an offer. Selling your home is quite possibly one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life. Wouldn’t you want to know all you can when making that decision?)