seller contacting buyer's agent (new agent, commission, Realtors, listing)

[brookdaleresident]

I realize it isn't "proper" for a seller to contact a buyer's agent, but is it totally out of line? The reason I'm considering it is my agent told a prospective buyer's agent that their offer was too low. She never contacted me. I never instructed her to do that. When she told me what she did, I told her I want to consider all offers. I didn't think it was that low for a start either (389,900, listed at 419,900). The agent never submitted the offer. I'm wondering if the offer was the buyer's max, or if the agent was turned off by my agent's response.

So, what do I do? I feel like sending an email to the buyer's agent telling her to submit the offer. Thoughts? TIA

[TexasHorseLady]

You can ask your agent to contact the buyer's agent and tell her she spoke out of turn and that you will look at all offers. If she won't do that, speak to her broker.

However, offers that aren't in writing frequently don't materialize for one reason or another; that this one didn't come in may have had nothing to do with what your agent said. I've learned not to tell my seller that an offer is anticipated until I've actually got it in my hot little hands (unless there is a question that needs answering for the buyer before they send it in), for that reason.

[michael krotchie]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

I've learned not to tell my seller that an offer is anticipated until I've actually got it in my hot little hands (unless there is a question that needs answering for the buyer before they send it in), for that reason.

QFT!

Brookdaleresident I'd definitely have a chat with your agent and be explicit when you say you want to look at all offers (sounds like you have already).

That aside, if the offer or suggestion of offer was verbal the agent shouldn't have summarily dismissed it as being too low and should have repeated that "the seller will look at all offers."

[Brandon Hoffman]

Well I can't tell you what to do but I think I personally would speak with my agent to verify what happened (and get it in writing), then fire my agent and report them to the local board. I would either then have the BIC assign a new agent to me, or better yet release me the Ex. Right to Sell including the protection clause for finding the buyer. Then I would offer the buyer agent the same commission and do the deal myself. Of course, I'm not sure what your best course of action is nor is this legal advice.

Unless of course it was a verbal offer and the agent said to put it in writing or something of that nature which alters everything. How did you find out about this and did they ever submit an offer in writing to your agent? To much unknown to really give sound, solid advice I think.

[brookdaleresident]

Appreciate your responses. The buyer's agent called my agent to tell her she was about to fax over the offer. When my agent heard the amount, she made that comment,

[Cherish605]

It is your realtors obligation to present ALL offers to you as the seller, it should state that in your agency paperwork. I would suggest talking with their Broker so they know whats going on.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Well, under the last scenario the buyers agent should have still sent the fax. I don't know details but they could both be at fault. Talk it over with the Broker in Charge.

[MovingIL]

Actually, if my buyer's agent told me that reaction - i might well tell her not to fax the offer...That listing agent has really screwed up (assuming we are given the whole story)! And really, in this market, that's not an outrageously low offer.

[palmcoasting]

Originally Posted by brookdaleresident

Appreciate your responses. The buyer's agent called my agent to tell her she was about to fax over the offer. When my agent heard the amount, she made that comment,

As stated above... call her broker immediately and tell them what happened. She may have just cost you a sale. I'll say it again..sometimes Realtors® are their own worst enemies. Her response should have been, great! Send it over! And then present it to you and discuss with you the various options to proceed.

[Texas-RE-Broker]

Yeah that selling agent could get in some big trouble