Quick survey, do you present an offer in person or by phone and fax? Almost every book I've read emphasizes the importance of presenting or negotiating in person, but practically I've found that most times agents communicate by phone or fax and then the sellers agent presents to their client in person.
Weigh in guys, phone, fax, or in person?
First, when I'm working with the buyer and am presenting an offer to the seller's agent, I always call. I tell them how excited my buyers are and let them know to watch for the fax and when it's coming.
If I'm presenting an offer to my seller, I definitely prefer to present in person. But depending on how soon we can meet I'll review the highlights on the phone so the seller doesn't sit on pins and needles all day. If they're out of state or absolutely unable to meet, again I talk on the phone but will fax it to review. Good question!
There are many things that can be streamlined with phone and fax...But for the few times that a client should see you face to face through the purchase process, I believe this should be one of them.
Scott
I'd have to agree with Kathy above. Unless the folks are out of state or otherwise not available to meet in person, then I will wait until I can be there in front of them.
Bob Mitchell
ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.
I agree with all of the above. I will always hand carry a offer if it is doable with the other agent. The key is to not overdo it.
I am in an escrow right now where we were in multiples. One of the other agents asked if they could present their offer directly to the agent and sellers. The sellers agreed but when the agent showed up at the house they not only showed up with the offer but the clients, the clients kids and the wifes parents. So you are talking about 9 adults, 2 kids & an infant in a 1100 sq ft house trying to present an offer. The listing agent said that she was irritated at the fact that this had happened and her clients were equally as frustrated.
The other clients were walking around the house the whole time telling the current owners all the changes they were gong to make to the house and what they "did not like" about it. For the sellers this was there first home which they had bought as a fixer and cleaned up over the past 7 years.
Ultimately, I also hand carried my offer for my clients but ot the agent directly and we are now in escrow.
There is such a thing as overdoing it when presenting or hand carrying an offer.
agents of the seller. Now with buyers agency and transaction brokers, our offers are faxed or delivered to the listing agent and they present the offer. Times change. Pam
Patty,
In Idaho we usually fax. It is unfortunate... I have requested to present in person but have received reluctance with the other side in doing so. I like to see and read people. I guess it has to do with my poker and black jack habit.
Thanks for participating everyone. Just a sidenote, before I got my license we were selling our home (about 2 years ago) and the buyers rep presented her offer to us and our agent. It was wierd- she kept referring to her notes on a paper she was holding face down and kept peeking at- it felt like we were playing cards or something. Then after she wrapped up she looked again and said, "Oh yeah, I just wanted to let you know that the buyers are also Christians and have read a lot of the same books you have". I guess they made assumptions based on our library, which is strange to think that we would be swayed on the offer because of their/our beliefs. (It reminds me of the Star Wars line, "We don't serve your kind here!".
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