Seller 'accepts' but refuses to sign an offer

[Paweł Terlecki]

I am considering buying a condo in Miami, pretty hot market nowadays. The seller's agent said he could not show the place without getting a full price offer claiming that tenants were not comfortable with visitors because of covid. Given that I can bail within 15 days or attempt to renegotiate, I submitted such an offer. This allows me to get inside with an inspector. So far so good.

The agent now suggests it is better if he does not sign the offer. It seems he was mostly interested if a full offer would be possible. This way I can see the place but do not have to send earnest money, although I need to pay for the inspection. He can also keep accepting other offers.

Any suggestions?

[Theresa Harris]

If you haven't paid a deposit and they haven't signed, then you have no offer.  I would tell them after you've seen it, that you will not pay the deposit until the seller has signed the offer.  Don't schedule the inspection until you have a signed offer.  Your bank will want a signed offer to start working on the financing.