Submitting an Offer, Letter of Intent

[Michael P.]

What should I look for out of the norm in an offer letter?

At this point and time I do not have a realtor, I am thinking I could get a better deal by giving the sellers agent all the commission?  Thoughts?

[Mike Cumbie]

Hi @Michael P.

You will notice on this site that when the question of "Should I go right to the listing agent" all of the agents (The ones who would be the listing agent). Say "No" don't do it. Get your own agent and have them come to me. It's because we have a fiduciary responsibility to the seller (In most jurisdictions). That means if we have a choice between them or you getting that credit, or that cost or coming out on top of anything, you lose.

Several others will say they got a smoking deal and other things. I'll point at the bartender that winked and did a "long pour" as an example of that.

Another thing to consider is what relationship does the listing agent have with the seller? Have I bought and sold 10 houses with them? Did our kids go to school together? Was he on the local volunteer ambulance corps that took my daughter to the hospital during an accident? Did I sell their parents house and their grandparents house and 5 aunts and uncles? You are coming up to me and asking me to write up your contract (The one I am very familiar with) and try and get you a deal. Keep in mind Real Estate is a relationship business, it's easier to create your own relationship than try and slide into an existing one on an opposing side.

Good Luck in whatever you decide!