Don't Ask Me To Spill The Beans

Hi Margaret:

It's a commonly asked question, isn't it? I certainly can understand buyers wanting to know the details...having been asked numerous times when on the buyer side...but I'm not going down that road. 

This is a great explanation of this important topic.

Jeff

Good evening Margaret,

Isn't it amazing how we always get this question asked? You can count on me not to spill the beans!

Hello Margaret - it's a common question and your response makes sense.  That said, I believe the question will continue. . .  

Good Wednesday morning, Margaret.

This is good information to share with prospective home buyers and their agents.

We certainly have to know what we are allowed to say and what we aren't, haha.  I have found that it is much better to be the source of the source, rather than the actual source, haha.

I couldn’t agree more, Margaret! Protecting a seller’s strategy is absolutely critical, and as agents, confidentiality is our cornerstone. Every offer is unique, and sharing specifics can unintentionally weaken negotiating power. Buyers need to know there’s competition, but the details? That’s where discretion makes all the difference. Great reminder for both buyers and fellow agents alike!

Hi Margaret,
I am so old, I remember the days when "the reason for selling" was on the listing sheet. Times have changed! 

And yet you may be surprised by the number of real estate agents that will and do spill the beans Miss Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 

The questions from buyer agents are endless - even pushing for a range - are the offers $10K over the list ... and it goes on and on. It does not serve a seller when the agent spills the beans. 

Margaret I wonder how those who make that request would feel about the details of their offer being shared with another buyer before they make their offer?

I think they would be a LITTLE agree about that.

Thanks so much for sharing this, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. Your insights really highlight how protecting client confidentiality is key in negotiations—something I think many overlook. I appreciate your straightforward approach and the reminder that sometimes, keeping certain details private actually works in everyone's favor! 😊

Hi Margaret -

This topic was brought up at a Code of Ethics discussion and according to the leader, it is entirely fine to share the details of other offers IF the seller has authorized the listing agent to do so.  Think how this works to benefit the seller, who is interested in getting their property sold at the best price and terms that work for them. This can only be shared, however, IF the buyer's agent asks and not volunteered.

Mum's the word......who do you represent!!  We all know that answer - well most of us do anyway right!!

It always still astounds me when agents ask these sorts of questions. 

Great post Margaret!  And here I thought you'd say that buyers ask, "Why is the seller selling?  Same answer! 

Oh, it's so funny how many agents DO spill the beans, Margaret! My lips are sealed but, I do get a kick out of starting an innocent conversation, laughing and then getting down to business--and getting my questions answered! LOL

I loved the post - both the message and the content!! Happy Labor Day

Sometimes buyer agents are asked this question, and we aren't in the position to know. All we can do is ask if there are other offers, but a good listing agent will never divulge how much those offers were (or are!) unless the seller has given permission.

Have you heard the new expression, "Spill the TEA?" I wonder why the expressions keep changing? Regardless, the answer is the same. I can't spill the beans OR the tea!