Need to respond to a buyer's offer, but I can't get a hold of my agent. Oh, and it's a snowstorm.
February 9, 2010 3:31 PM Subscribe
How do I respond to a buyer's offer when I can't get in touch with my agent?
I'm selling a home. I received an offer (yay!) around 10 am this morning via my agent. I wanted some time to consider the offer and examine some comparable properties that have sold recently, so I wasn't ready to respond until 5 pm. My response is due in writing by 10 pm, but I haven't been able to get in touch with my agent at any of her contact numbers. How can I respond to this offer?
To make things even more exciting, the weather and roads are atrocious due to a snowstorm today. I don't have a fax machine at home, but I could possibly make it to a Kinko's down the road. I realize I've got several hours before the contract expires, but it's just getting worse out there and I'd like to get to Kinko's and back as soon as possible, if that's what it's going to take.
Questions:
1. If I can't get in touch with my agent, can I fax the signed contract directly to the buyer's agent?
2. Would it be completely inappropriate for me to call the buyer's agent, explain the predicament I'm in, and ask for an extension?
3. Anything I'm missing or forgetting?
In the words of Liz Lemon...flurdge.
I'm selling a home. I received an offer (yay!) around 10 am this morning via my agent. I wanted some time to consider the offer and examine some comparable properties that have sold recently, so I wasn't ready to respond until 5 pm. My response is due in writing by 10 pm, but I haven't been able to get in touch with my agent at any of her contact numbers. How can I respond to this offer?
To make things even more exciting, the weather and roads are atrocious due to a snowstorm today. I don't have a fax machine at home, but I could possibly make it to a Kinko's down the road. I realize I've got several hours before the contract expires, but it's just getting worse out there and I'd like to get to Kinko's and back as soon as possible, if that's what it's going to take.
Questions:
1. If I can't get in touch with my agent, can I fax the signed contract directly to the buyer's agent?
2. Would it be completely inappropriate for me to call the buyer's agent, explain the predicament I'm in, and ask for an extension?
3. Anything I'm missing or forgetting?
In the words of Liz Lemon...flurdge.
Response by poster: Unfortunately, it's an extremely small office, so broker = agent. There are only 2 employees total. I have 3 contact numbers for them, and no one's answering. I've also emailed both of them - no response.
posted by pecanpies at 3:55 PM on February 9, 2010
posted by pecanpies at 3:55 PM on February 9, 2010
Tread carefully, this sounds like a BS offer. 12 hours to respond ? Maybe the buyer's agent knows something. I would second the above advice to contact the broker, but I would take it a step further, and raise four kinds of Hell. You might even mention that you are considering taking action againt the agency...I mean really, what ARE you paying them a % for? Most states have RE Boards who frown upon this kind of crap!
posted by lobstah at 3:58 PM on February 9, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by lobstah at 3:58 PM on February 9, 2010 [2 favorites]
The broker should be able to track down the agent....worst case scenario, the broker can call the buyer's agent, explain the situation, and get you more time. I'm sure the buyer will not turn down a counter or acceptance if you do not get back to them 'till tomorrow morning. I don't know the details of your particular offer, but sometimes agents write in deadlines to ensure that the ball keeps in play. Disclaimer, I am a Realtor, but not your Realtor (and congrats on your offer!).
posted by rtodd at 3:59 PM on February 9, 2010
posted by rtodd at 3:59 PM on February 9, 2010
Best answer: I'd contact the buyer's agent and let them know of your troubles getting in touch with your agent and that any delay isn't your fault and they can await further instructions from your agent. DO NOT DO ANY BUSINESS WITHOUT YOUR AGENT. It is what you are paying them for.
Also, the short time frame sounds super scetchy. Hope I'm just over reacting and good luck.
I'm not a real estate agent, broker, lawyer etc etc.
posted by cestmoi15 at 5:29 PM on February 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, the short time frame sounds super scetchy. Hope I'm just over reacting and good luck.
I'm not a real estate agent, broker, lawyer etc etc.
posted by cestmoi15 at 5:29 PM on February 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I can imagine a short time frame if the buyer didn't want your agent to potentially alert others who might be interested, to try to create a bidding war.
We're in the midst of looking at properties and the one offer we submitted had a 24-hour time limit.
Anyway, nthing to wait to do this through your agent. But it can't hurt to get to Kinko's and fax this to your agent (not the other agent), or better yet, scan it and email it in case your agent isn't at the office.
posted by bluedaisy at 7:17 PM on February 9, 2010
We're in the midst of looking at properties and the one offer we submitted had a 24-hour time limit.
Anyway, nthing to wait to do this through your agent. But it can't hurt to get to Kinko's and fax this to your agent (not the other agent), or better yet, scan it and email it in case your agent isn't at the office.
posted by bluedaisy at 7:17 PM on February 9, 2010
Response by poster: Chiming back in - I was finally able to track down my agent. Beforehand, I did decide to go ahead to Kinko's and fax it over to my agent. A couple of counters & responses later, we have a contract!
posted by pecanpies at 3:28 PM on February 11, 2010
posted by pecanpies at 3:28 PM on February 11, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 3:41 PM on February 9, 2010