Who Am I to Dictate to the Buyers?

Jon, I didn't read that post - but if a buyer wanted to write two offers that put them in jeopardy of accidentally buying two houses, just in case they both are approved as is at the same time, that I wouldn't let them do. But if they are protected legally, why not? I have an offer in right now and we are just counting the days before we submit an offer on another house that is not a short sale and if we can negotiate it, will close in a timely manner.

if it's legal it is not for us to impose our opinions. Otherwise we could get caught in the act of not following the law and face charges ourselves.

Jon, As Sharon said, I wouldn't want them on the hook for 2 homes. At every class, every seminar when this topic comes up, we are warned that it is possible our buyers could be on the hook for 2 homes. I am sure it is rare though.

And I can bet money that agents who do this on a regular basis would blow a gasket if this was done on one of their listings. I'm just sayin...

You are right about the choice of words "Would you allow your buyer?"  I think it's more talk than reality. Do agents really have that kind of control over their clients?  Would their clients obediently comply?

John - as usual, a lot of thoughts to ponder on this. And some things to consider as a listing agent. I will continue to follow this thread.

Good morning, Jon. I’ve submitted lots offers for short sale properties and was asked only once to have the buyer submit a small deposit along with the offer. My buyer refused, and her offer was accepted anyway. I can only conclude that the EMD wasn’t that important for the seller.

Looking at short sales from the buyer’s perspective, it’s a lot for a seller to ask… let alone demand… that a buyer take the risk of losing their deposit if they walk, because the odds of a buyer walking are very high. As you point out, the buyer has to typically wait several months before learning whether the short sale lender will approve the short sale. And as time goes by, the buyer becomes very concerned (nervous and sefl-doubting) that their offer will be approved by the short sale lender. It’s at that moment in that state-of-mind that the buyer decides “…to just keep looking” and withdraw their offer.

Thanks Jon for pointing out that listing agents work for the seller .... and the buyer's agent works for the buyer!  It is a happy coincidence when we all move in the same direction at the same time and close the transaction - but look at the quoted stats ... that seamless closing is the exception, not the rule.  Yes I am put out, when I finally get an approval and the buyer has left the field.  I feel a little like the home football team that scored a touchdown, three plays after the visitors went to the locker room.  Buyers making offers on short sales need to understand that the process is long and frequently difficult.