The presentation of an offer to purchase property is a crucial part of the offer and negotiation process. It's the opening of a communication between buyers who have decided they've found the right house and the sellers of that house. (Important note: bank/reo/corporate owned properties have unique considerations and are not the subject of this post).

 Pretty important step in the process. If it were as easy as sending in an offer to a computer or machine and waiting for an automated response, perhaps the presentation piece wouldn't matter. But, when human beings are involved, the presentation of a buyer's offer is absolutely critical.

 Faxing, e-mailing or physically providing the offer is how it's delivered to the other party, that is not the presentation of that offer. Delivering the offer simply gets it to the other party. Presenting the offer paints a picture that the black and white words and numbers can't convey.

 How strong is the buyer's financing? If closing costs are being asked for are those a must have for the buyer? Is the buyer flexible on the closing date?  If the offer is for less than list price - why? (Hint: because that's the max the buyers can get financing for isn't a valid reason!) Are these first time buyers? Are the buyers prepared to adhere to the loan application and inspection dates? Are the buyers ready, willing, and able and are they sure this is the house for them? (Buyer's remorse does happen, and it's not pleasant for a seller to have a less than committed buyer)

 These are all questions that sellers will have, and if a buyer's offer is simply faxed in (delivered) with no presentation, the sellers are left to assume whatever they choose. We all know what can happen when people assume, right?

 Sure, getting the offer to the other party is important but the presentation of the buyer's offer can NOT be neglected or omitted in my opinion.

 I'm not in any way suggesting that confidential information about a buyer be disclosed, but buyer preparedness, preferences regarding dates, and any justification for a less than full price, no contingency offer are most definitely relevant.

 As a buyer's agent, are you really representing your clients fully and providing the utmost in professional service if you simply deliver an offer without presenting it? Delivering an offer to the list agent leaves the presentation of that offer solely to the list agent, and they work for the seller's best interests!!!

 Home buyers: ask yourself how you would like your agent to handle your offer to purchase, and when interviewing agents, ask them how they handle it! Do you want your offer to purchase a home delivered or presented? There is indeed a difference.

 Perhaps it's just my opinion, but I do believe the actual presentation of a buyer's offer is a critical and essential part of the home buying process. In other words, it's not optional based on whether or not it's convenient to me as an agent, it's my duty to represent my clients and their best interests.