You know the saying "You snooze you lose?"

Great to hear Jeanette...just like the "olden days"....and great too that we will all be burning off inventory and getting back to whatever is normal...a happy, prosperous spring to you !

Some experiences I've had over the years is to never alert a listing agent that you're sending an offer. 

As soon as they get that message, they immediately contact every agent that has shown the property and every consumer that has contacted them about the property to announce that an offer is coming in. 

I like to write it, make sure it's in perfect shape with all necessary addenda and lender's letter, etc. and hand deliver it to the listing agent office in a sealed envelop for their "eyes only" with a note asking how soon it will be presented.

Of coure, I'm paranoid. 

Interesting approach Lenn. I like it and will use this approach in the future. Maybe I'll even add one more step which is to make sure the agent is in the office by asking the office assistant first, and if not when he or she will be there.

Time is of the essence is ALL real estate transactions, whether you are representing a buyer or working on getting a seller to consider any/all offers.  I have even carried a laptop and printer in my truck so that I can write up the offer on the spot using a software program that has my Board's forms on it.  

While I have never done it (YET), I could certainly see my pushing the seller's agent in to letting me be there when my buyers offer is presented.  I try to have good communication with the other agent through that stage of the deal, but have certainly ran into cases (especially with new agents) where a more firm approach was needed. 

Note:  I rarely ever represent buyer's, so am thankful that I don't have to get into that many squabbles with other agents who suddenly get a fire lit under them (as a result of my client's offer).  It's funny how that property could sit there for MONTHS and then all of the sudden (when the offer comes in) they miraculously find some other offer - of course it's generally one where they can keep both sides.  

I am getting many more phone calls this Spring from the LA's telling me that offers are coming in on the houses I have been showing. Of course they always ask if my buyer is ready , willing and able to make an offer. I'm glad to see it is happening in many area that have been hit hard by the downward spiral of the market

Lenn's comments are right on.  Write it and present it.

There is another saying: The home you say today and want to think about it tonight someone say yesterday and is writing on it today.

Jeanette,

This is my first post, so hopefully I dont sound like a dope! 

It is happening in  PA too, but mostly in the lower price ranges.  But it makes our job even more difficult; how can we look credible saying that you shouldnt delay, when homes in other price ranges are sitting for months!   This has happened numerous times to me lately, and sometimes, clients just have to experience a few losses before they heed your word! Its frustrating for us that we have to keep showing and showing and showing.  The other side of it too is that once they are ready to write the offer, It is sometimes difficult in this what is supposed to be a down market trying to advise them that a lowball offer will just be thrown out the window, especially if the home is priced right and in good condition. If the supply of buyers is high, the demand for price will be too! 

 I never tell the agents that I am writing an offer;  in fact I never even really reveal a clients' interest in my feedback comments because when I do, they inevitably tell me that there is other interest or another offer.  I let them know that there is possible interest, not definite!  and then I just call them when I am ready with the offer. Sometimes  they keep calling you to find out what your clients decided, and its a clue to you and your buyer on how willing and ready they are to sell.  Also,  Remind the other agent that it is their obligation to their seller to present all offers, even if there is already one on the table that hasn't been finalized.  And put in a sellers reply to purchase offer if you feel that your buyer isn't getting a fair shot. 

Good luck with your clients. Hope you have a wonderful and prosperous year.  Hope it trickles up to the higher price ranges so that my listings sell!!