Excellent point Deb.  W need to realize our role collectively in this situation, we are a conduit, we are the messenger, we do not have the final say and we must act and think professionally.  It's not about what is right for us.

Great point, I have come across this many times also.  I'll bet the price has probably been reduced or will be soon.

Excellent post. We should never let our emotions, self-interests or pride get in the way of negotiations. It is not personal - just a very important part of our job!

AMEN - This is the trend in my area I think the Realtor should present the offers and counter. The initial offer will be lower than expected especially because what are buyers hearing everyday "its a buyers market"

This is a good example of what sets a professional real estate agent apart from the wannabees.  We as professionals approach it as "business" versus the wannabees who are taking negotiations as a personal invitation to exercise their egos. It is these types that do a complete and utter disservice to the public who we serve and give us a bad rap.  Great Blog!!!!  Thanks for sharing!!!  :=)

"Remember, the only offers you should be insulted by are the ones that aren't made."  Great quote, Deb.  I believe that we are in a market where owners and agents alike should stop feeling insulted and be grateful that offers are being made.  I don't know what the prices are in your area, but every owner I know would be thrilled with that offer in my market.  I've seen offers for almost $100K under asking price on homes that are in the $800k range.  I actually had something similar happen to me when I bought my house.  The market was still hot, and I got into a bidding war with another couple over this one home.  We ended up $16,000 over asking price, but still lost the bid.  The other couple backed out and the agent came back to me to let me know.  I told her that I would offer full asking price, as I was no longer in competition with anyone else.  She came back and said that the owners would "settle" for $10,000 over asking price.  I told them that the homeowners should find someone else because I was no longer interested.  A few days later they said that they would accept full asking price, but I told them that my offer was no longer on the table.  They ended up selling for $9,000 under asking price because they got greedy.

The list price was $180,000 so $10,000 in this price range would be different than that of $500,000 homes.

However, it is amazing to see so many responses to my blog so quickly.  It tells me that it isn't just me running across this problem.

MMmmm.  I think I'd take offense if someone sent comps with an offer.  But, it wouldn't make me angry.  There's no place for anger in real estate brokerage.

I've met a few agent who were so incredibly nasty that I had to take over the contract from my agents because the agent just couldn't handle the abusive telephone calls or any communication.  I've had a few too, but it doesn't bother me. I just send them a message by fax that since their communication is not professional, any further contact will be by fax.  I copy their broker with it. 

Funny how they "come around" and are sweet as molassas. 

We just have to get to settlement.

Lenn,

That's the bottom line...getting to settlement.

Deb, this is one reason why I present offers myself.  I want to be face to face with the sellers (and their agent) to be able to explain my buyer clients position to them.  I find negotiations go much more smoothly if I present them myself.   I also can nip the emotions out of the presentation by repeating "it's a business transaction" during any rough spots. 

Kris,

That is a great point.  I know when I first started in this career, presenting offers face-to-face was what you did.  Somehow, the trend became the fax machine. 

Great point!!

Remember, the only offers you should be insulted by are the ones that aren't made------so true!!!! I need to tell one of my seller's that. :)