Apparently, there is a checklist at many of the larger brokerages in Washington State for agents to follow during a transaction.  These checklists are inaccurate, and if brokers and agents were paying attention, they might realize this.

Lately, agents have been asking me for a copy of the earnest money check when I represent the Buyer.  Today, I had an agent get very huffy with me when I explained that since Mutual Acceptance was Friday, I actually had two business days to collect the earnest money check.  Therefore, our deadline for collecting it was actually tomorrow.  I also told her that I would have to get the Buyers' permission before releasing that to her.  As I was asking her if there was anything else she needed, she actually hung up on me. 

Nice, real professional.  No wonder our profession in general has such a great reputation!  But we'll save that for another blog post.

I can certainly understand why a copy of the earnest money check would be useful.  Whenever I am the Seller's Agent, I write into the contract that the Buyer will provide a copy of the earnest money check within 24 hours of mutual acceptance.

BUT!  Unless you write it into the contract, there is no requirement in the NWMLS forms that the Seller receive a copy of the earnest money check.  If the Buyer is not required to do it, then I have to ask permission before releasing a copy of the check to the Sellers. 

Frankly, some Buyers will not want their personal information released to the world.  There is such a thing as fraud and theft in the world.

So, Washington State agents, if your office wants a copy of the earnest money check, you better explain this to your Sellers, and get it written into the contract.  I usually try very hard to cooperate with other agents, but I don't have to. 

And please, don't get huffy with me because you haven't read the contracts you are having your clients sign, and you are not properly doing your job!