Verbal offers to selling agents?

[Tom V.]

I'm wondering if it is proper etiquette to contact the listing agent for a property and just make a verbal offer to see if the seller would be interested in my price? I don't want to annoy my own agent by asking her to make a bunch of offers for me that will likely be rejected. If my verbal offer is entertained, then I would contact my agent to have her set up a showing and make a formal offer.

Is this reasonable? Suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

[Pauline Charlton]

You should annoy your agent if  she is your agent. She can do the negotiating and making of offers to earn her commission. You will have representation and your offer will be specific with no room for assumptions, etc. Offers for real estate should be in writing. The listing agent has no obligation to present oral offers and if she does there are many elements that would not be addressed thus creating confusion and misunderstanding. Most listing agents know this and will say you should make a written offer or sho could offer to write it for you.   You do not want a listing agent writing an offer for you especially if you have your own agent. The listing agent represents the seller and will write the offer to the benefit of the seller whom she represents. Your buyers agent will write the offer with your interests in mind.