In-person offers provide the human touch — and that can make all the difference
Q: We made an offer on a house that received seven purchase proposals. During the multipleoffer negotiations, the seller’s agent was emailing with our buyer’s agent that we were in the first position. On top of that, they would be preparing a counteroffer that night requiring us to have a property contingency. We thought it was silly; we did not need to do inspections but were anxious to get the counteroffer signed that night. The next day, our buyer’s agent sent an email and text message requesting the counteroffer. That’s when we learned the seller’s agent was negotiating with another buyer’s agent. The seller’s agent emailed that she would contact our buyer’s agent first if that sale failed. Today, our buyer’s agent received a group email sent BCC from the seller’s agent announcing that the deal had fallen apart and agents are to resubmit offers. That’s twice that the seller’s agent broke her word. Are we chasing this seller’s agent down a “rabbit hole”?
A: Yes, and not only because homebuyers’ inspections are the opposite of silly, but also by bypassing phone calls and relying on email and text messages. The combination renders you active participants in chasing each other through unprofessional “rabbit holes.” The time wasted and synergy lost by depending on a pen-pal style of so-called negotiation via text and email is often unknowingly sabotaging the objectives sought. For example, your buyer’s agent should have been calling the seller’s agent before, during, and after the offer and counteroffer. Had she done so, you would have had a chance to ratify that sale before bedtime. Instead, another buyer’s agent across town was probably in voice-to-voice communication with the seller’s agent for hours, if not days. The human touch works both ways in real estate. Consumers often hire an agent they trust and like over one trustworthy and experienced. A seller’s agent can do the same by developing a rapport with a buyer’s agent during phone calls and chance meetings at the property. Technology has become your Alice in Wonderland. Your storybook ending requires that your agent present your offer in person to the seller’s agent — flawlessly.
Have a question? Know someone who is thinking of moving? Full-service Realtor Pat Kapowich provides turnkey services including relocation, staging, market analysis and strategic planning. 408-245-7700 or Pat@ Siliconvalleybroker. com. Broker License 00979413.