Can realtors lie about other offers?

[Ben Clark]

Hey everyone, 

I've bought 2 properties in my life so I know a lot of you guys have a lot more experience. Can a realtor lie about having another offer? There isn't much in my area listed for sale. Because I want to get more into investing I've been running the numbers on everything listed around me and felt like I needed to get out and see some of the properties near me. There is one property that has some problems as far as repairs needed, and is listed too high (in my opinion) that I'm going to see tomorrow morning. I know a number already that makes sense for me to offer at and won't go over that number. The property has been listed on the MLS for 267 days. My agent called the sellers agent today and asked to set up tomorrow to look through the property. The sellers agent said yes, but that they had gotten an offer today. I'm not saying the agent is for sure lying because obviously an offer could come in at any time. It does seem odd though that it's been on the market for that long and the day before I go to look at it another offer comes in. If I liked the property I planned on offering less than my best offer to start and see what happens I would assume the best course of action would be to stick to that and not let the agent saying that change my mind. Like I said I know the max offer I would put in and won't go over that. Just wondering what everyone thinks. Can agents lie about offers or is that a big no no.

Thanks!!!

[Brent Zande]

@Ben Clark

I would ask why it would even matter to you? When you place an offer it should always be what you dictate. Did they call for a highest and best? Stay clear and focused on your plan the rest is just noise.