Can Cash Buyers Submit Offers Directly to Sellers' Agents?

Question

As a cash buyer, if I come across a deal on the MLS, can I submit the offer directly to the seller's agent, or do I need my own agent? Would this increase my chances of the offer being accepted, considering the seller wouldn't have to pay an agent on my side?

Thank you in advance!

John Karg · Answer

Hi Mike,

Yes, you can submit an offer without a buyer's agent representing you, but the seller won't save any money as they already have an agreement to pay a certain commission to their agent, which that agent then splits with the buyer's agent. When there is no buyer's agent, the seller's agent keeps the full commission amount as they technically become your agent as well and will represent both sides in the transaction.

Therefore, the only way this could help you is the fact that the seller's agent will likely push your offer more with the seller, as it gives them the chance to earn double the commission. The seller themself won't have any additional incentive to choose your offer however, so it's debatable how much this will really help you. I personally think it's more worthwhile to you overall to use your own agent.

John

Tony Savage · Answer

What John Karg said!

Jay Thomas · Answer

Sure thing! Being a cash buyer is cool, but going solo on the MLS? Not the smoothest move. You can technically submit an offer yourself, but it can get tricky. The seller's agent is all about the seller, not you. They want the best deal for their client, not necessarily for you. Negotiating can be a headache without an experienced agent – you might miss stuff or leave money on the table. Paperwork and legal stuff? Total maze. A good agent can handle all that nitty-gritty, saving you time and headaches. If you have your own agent, they're all about you. They'll fight for the best price and terms. They know the market inside-out, so they can help you make fair offers and avoid pitfalls. Plus, they take care of all the paperwork and legal stuff. About agent commission – yeah, the seller might save, but a skilled agent can often score you a lower overall price, even with their cut.

David Avery · Answer

ABSOLUTELY  YES

Because you're agent has 3% of play in sharing the 6% commission.

Hopefully this makes sense.?

Bryan Montross · Answer

If you are a buyer looking to buy off the MLS, why wouldn't you get a Buyer's agent. As it was said earlier, the seller has already negotiated the commission for the sale of their home regardless of whether there is a buyer's agent involved. As the buyer, you don't usually pay for the buyer's agent. It usually comes from the seller (although this may be changing in the future). Having a buyer's agent will help to navigate you through the market conditions, negotiate the best deal for you, and will always look after your best interest. As a cash buyer you already have a strong offer, having an agent with you will make it even easier.

Russell Brazil · Answer

Anyone can submit their offers directly to the listing agent, cash or financed. It will likely have no effect on the strength of your offer. Sellers will pick generally the best offer they receive regardless if the person has an agent or not.

Joseph Bui · Answer

You are never required to have a buyers agent. If you know what you are doing and how to protect yourself it might be monetarily beneficial to not have one and make offers directly

Jacob Sherman · Answer

Nope can definitely go direct to the sellers agent

Shawn McCormick · Answer

@Mike Romano I agree with the others, why would you go at it alone? A buyer's agent can help you negotiate price, terms, repairs etc. If you go direct to a lisitng agent, who is their loyalty too?

Cash offer do carry weight as they can close quicker, don't need appraisals etc, but as an agent that works with buyer and sellers, I've seen it many times where a seller will pick a different offer due to some connection to the buyer (ex military, young married couple just starting etc) They want to know its NOT going to an investor specifically.

If you want to talk this through, I'm in Orlando and happy to help.

Best of luck!

Mike Romano · Answer

This is fantastic, @John Karg  @Jay Thomas  Much appreciated for the information.

Can Cash Buyers Submit Offers Directly to Sellers' Agents?

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