Multiple offer situations where the listing broker represents one of the offers: Can We Talk?..........

Multiple offer situations where the listing broker represents one of the offers: Can We Talk?..........

I think almost all of us at some point have been in a situation where you are presenting an offer for your buyers in a multiple offer situation.

And in some of those instances it may or may not be apparent that the listing broker may be representing one of the other multiple offers.

What's the politically or legally correct thing to do?

Of course it never hurts to ask, does it? Or does it?

Is it a question that can be appreciated by the listing agent, or does it come across as being combative?

In the end, does it really matter that you have the answer to that question? Will asking that question help or hinder your clients chances? Will it change anything?

There have been times when I have flat asked the listing agent if they are representing one of the other offers. To date, I have not received a "Yes".

But that does not necessarily mean that someone else from that same brokerage is representing one of those offers.

Well, let's talk about what really happens in the situation where there is a multiple offer scenario where the same brokerage as the listing brokerage is representing one of the offers.

In my area, it is a legal requirement in this case that the management from the listing brokerage must have a meeting with the seller and listing agent to discuss all offers on the property. This must be done so that the seller is aware of all offers on the property and the details of each.

OK, fine. Does that really change anything?

I suppose your choices are:

• A) Get all up in the listing agents business to make it a point to be privey to all the info
• B) Present yourself as a competent, cordial and cooperative agent who is fully prepared to close the transaction with your ready, willing, and able buyer.

From a Machiavellian viewpoint, which of these two, in the bigger picture, would be your best choice?

What is the actual net result of both?

I have my opinion. What's yours?

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