Who Delivers Your Offer To The Seller?

Have you ever wondered who actually delivers your offer to the seller? Is it you, your agent, or someone else entirely? Understanding this step is important because it can affect how quickly your offer is seen, how it’s received, and even how negotiations go.

In most cases, your real estate agent takes the lead. They act as a bridge between you and the seller, making sure your offer is presented clearly, professionally, and in a way that follows all the proper rules. However, there are situations—like buying a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) property—where you, the buyer, might deliver the offer yourself. This could be through email, a secure digital platform, or even face-to-face.

What is a Real Estate Offer?

A real estate offer is basically your formal way of saying, “I want to buy this property, and here’s what I’m willing to pay and under what conditions.” It’s more than just a number on a piece of paper—it’s a carefully prepared document that lays out the terms of your potential purchase.

Typically, an offer includes:

• The purchase price you’re willing to pay.
   
• Contingencies, which are conditions that must be met for the sale to go through. For example, a home inspection or financing approval.
   
• Closing date, which is when you plan to finalize the sale and officially take ownership.
   

Making your offer in writing is important because it provides a clear record of your intentions and protects both you and the seller. Verbal offers aren’t usually considered valid in real estate, and they can easily lead to misunderstandings.

Who Delivers Your Offer?

When it comes to delivering your offer, there are several possibilities, and understanding each one can help you navigate the process smoothly.

1. Buyer’s Real Estate Agent

Most often, your buyer’s agent is the person who delivers your offer. They act as your representative, ensuring that your offer is presented professionally and that all the necessary documents are included. Your agent also handles communication with the seller’s side, answers any questions, and negotiates on your behalf. This is the most common method because it keeps the process organized and follows standard real estate protocols.

2. Seller’s Agent (Listing Agent)

The seller’s agent—also called the listing agent—is the person who receives offers on behalf of the seller. Even if you submit your offer through your agent, it usually ends up with the seller’s agent first. They review it, present it to the seller, and relay any responses or counteroffers back to you or your agent.

3. Direct Delivery by Buyer

Sometimes, especially in for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) properties, the buyer may deliver the offer directly to the seller. In this case, you or your agent can submit the offer yourself. Delivery can be done digitally through email or secure platforms, physically by dropping off paperwork, or even face-to-face. This direct approach can work well if there’s no listing agent involved, but it’s important to make sure everything is documented and professional.

4. Attorneys or Brokers

In certain markets, some buyers or sellers may use attorneys or brokers to handle offer delivery. This is less common but can be necessary for legal or procedural reasons, especially with high-value properties or unique local regulations.

How Offers Are Delivered

Once you’ve prepared your offer, the next step is getting it into the seller’s hands. How it’s delivered can affect how quickly it’s reviewed and how seriously it’s taken. There are several common methods:

1. Digital Delivery

Most offers today are sent through email or secure digital platforms. This is fast, convenient, and provides a clear record of what was submitted and when. Many real estate offices use secure portals specifically designed for sending offers, which keeps sensitive information safe and ensures all parties can access the documents easily.

2. Physical Delivery

In some cases, offers are still delivered as hard copies, either by mail or by hand. This method is less common than digital delivery but may be used in markets that prefer traditional paperwork or for particularly important transactions.

3. Face-to-Face Delivery

For FSBO properties or situations where the buyer wants to make a personal impression, an offer can be delivered in person. Meeting the seller directly allows you to answer questions immediately and can sometimes give your offer a more personal touch. However, it’s important to remain professional and ensure all documentation is complete.

Why Delivery Method Matters

The method you choose can influence speed, security, and perception. Digital submissions are fast and trackable, while in-person delivery can create a personal connection but may be slower or less formal. Regardless of the method, it’s critical that the offer is clearly documented and that the seller or their agent confirms receipt.

Can I Deliver My Own Offer to the Seller?

Yes, in certain situations, you can deliver your offer yourself. While most buyers rely on a real estate agent to handle the process, there are circumstances—especially with for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) properties—where direct delivery is possible and sometimes necessary. 

Whether you choose to submit your offer by email, secure digital platform, or even hand-delivery, it’s important to present it professionally. Make sure to include all necessary documents, such as the purchase offer form, contingencies, and proof of financing or pre-approval. After submitting the offer, follow up politely to ensure the seller received it and to answer any questions they might have.

Delivering the offer yourself can work in your favor in FSBO situations, allowing for direct communication and potentially faster responses. However, without a professional agent, it’s crucial to follow proper procedures and keep thorough documentation.

What if the Seller Ignores My Agent?

If the seller doesn’t respond to your agent, it’s important to stay patient but proactive. Your agent can follow up politely to confirm the offer was received and address any questions. Keeping records of all communication ensures your offer is considered and avoids misunderstandings.

How Long Does It Take for the Seller to Respond?

Response times can vary depending on the seller’s situation, workload, and whether there are multiple offers on the property. Typically, sellers respond within a few days, but in competitive markets or busy periods, it might take longer. Being patient while maintaining polite follow-ups through your agent can help ensure your offer is reviewed in a timely manner.

Is It Okay to Submit Offers via Email or Text?

Submitting offers digitally is generally acceptable, especially through email or secure real estate platforms, as long as all required documents are included and the communication is documented. Text messages are usually not recommended for formal offers because they lack the necessary structure and record-keeping, though they can be used to confirm receipt or follow up. Whenever possible, choose methods that ensure your offer is secure, professional, and easy for the seller or their agent to review.

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Submit an Offer?

You don’t always need a real estate agent to submit an offer, but having one can make the process much easier and safer. Agents ensure that your offer is professionally prepared, includes all necessary documents, and follows local rules. They also handle negotiations, help you avoid mistakes, and act as a buffer between you and the seller. Without an agent, you can still submit an offer yourself, especially in FSBO situations, but you’ll need to be extra careful to make sure everything is complete and properly documented.

Can Multiple Buyers Submit Offers at the Same Time?

Yes, it’s common for multiple buyers to submit offers on the same property, especially in competitive markets. When this happens, the seller may review all offers and choose the one that best meets their terms, or they might request best-and-final offers from all interested buyers. Understanding this possibility can help you work with your agent to make your offer as strong and appealing as possible without overcommitting.

What Happens After the Seller Receives My Offer?

After the seller receives your offer, the process moves into the negotiation phase, which can vary in length depending on the seller, market conditions, and the specifics of your offer. The seller has several options: they can accept the offer as it is, which means the terms you proposed—price, contingencies, and closing date—are approved and the sale moves forward. They may also reject the offer outright, which can happen if the price is too low, contingencies are unfavorable, or the seller simply prefers another buyer. Another common scenario is that the seller issues a counteroffer, changing one or more terms to better suit their needs.

Once the seller responds, your agent will communicate the decision and guide you through your next steps. If a counteroffer is made, you have the option to accept it, reject it, or negotiate further, potentially leading to multiple rounds of back-and-forth. This negotiation period is a critical time where your agent’s expertise can help you maintain a strong position while protecting your interests.

 

Can I Change or Withdraw My Offer After Submitting It?

Yes, you can change or withdraw your offer, but there are rules and timing considerations. Most offers include contingencies and deadlines that allow for revisions or cancellations before the seller accepts. If you need to make a change, it’s important to notify the seller or their agent in writing as soon as possible to ensure it’s legally recognized. Working with an agent can make this process smoother and help you avoid mistakes that could affect your rights or the validity of your offer.

What if the Seller Receives Multiple Offers at Once?

When multiple offers arrive at the same time, the seller often reviews all of them and may request best-and-final offers to see which buyer is willing to meet the terms most favorably. This can include price, contingencies, and flexibility on closing dates. Working closely with your agent is crucial in these situations, as they can help you make a competitive offer without overextending and advise on strategies like escalation clauses to increase your chances of success.