So the buyers says, “yes… let’s do it!” The normal action most agents take is to whip out a contract and a pen and start writing. WAIT! The most important thing you can do is call the listing agent!
Contacting the listing agent first is not only a courtesy to the agent, but it’s also an opportunity to find out exactly what’s happening TODAY with the property. Think of how embarrassing it might be to go to all the trouble to write and offer, have the customer put down a good faith deposit, send the offer over – only to find out the home is already pending or there’s another offer and you’re in a bidding situation.
Ask the agent about other offers and the motivation of the seller. Find out how quickly the seller may be able to respond, close and anything else that may help you put the transaction together. It’s also a great time to build rapport with the listing agent – after all… you’re working toward the same goal of getting the property sold! It’s bad form to text or email and offer to an agent without contacting them by phone to let them know it’s coming.
Stopping to make the call can help get the transaction off to the right start and may minimize the chance it could not reach acceptance or closing. Just a thought – Coach Kerri