In an interesting development of this struggling real estate market (yes I know to say “struggling” could be debated since sales were way up in July … tell that to my husband and our checkbook), the shoe seems to be shifting to the other foot in some cases.

Recently we’ve noted a turnaround in the sales process.  Instead of buyer writing offers to sellers after they’ve toured a home and decided they love it, SELLERS are writing offers to buyers.  The legal question came from our state association of Realtors, “As the buyer’s agent, if I receive an offer from a seller, do I legally have to present it to my buyer who may have no interest at all?”

The answer is a resounding yes.  We have a duty that we owe to clients – and it doesn’t specify whether clients are buyers or sellers – to present all offers and counter-offers.  As in any negotiation, however, the buyer and the seller can say one of three things:  Yes, No, or Maybe (a counter).

I think this strategy is riveting… it’s one I’ll definitely put in my head as a possible way to sell a house on behalf of my listings.