When representing sellers as the listing agent, you receive multiple offers, one of which is from your own potential buyer, how do you ethically handle the transaction.

I assume with the questions wording, "one of which is from your own potential buyer".  Means you are also writing an offer for one of your actual buyers.  

 

As a Listing Agent, when I sit down with my Sellers to review the Listing Agreement, an important area in the Listing we review is: Are the sellers comfortable with you the Listing Agent possibly handling both sides of the deal or Duel Agency?  This needs to addressed .. If the answer is no, they are not.  Then I would refer my buyer to another Realtor to represent them. If i personally feel its best for that buyer to be represented by another Realtor, again they will be refereed.

 

Sometimes there are just reasons for the sellers to encourage their Listing agent to find the buyer one way or the other. 

 

With Multiple offers, and I am also writing an offer?  I set a date / time for all offers to be reviewed. I will have my buyers offer written and already submitted to the seller at least 4-5 days in advance to the offer due date. If any other Realtor does send in an offer early? I let the seller know I have it though do not Open it until the review date established. 

 

If my buyer is chosen by the Seller. The buyer has already been made clear that although I will make sure they have all the disclosures and reports from the seller, and will also assist in scheduling and reviewing all new inspections with them. However, my first allegiance is to the Seller, so I will be an intermediary between the two, to iron issues out for both .  Duel Agency happens once or twice a year and seems to happen only when circumstances make it a smart way to get the escrow done for both parties.