I haven't accepted the offer.  

In competitive bidding situations, sellers are more likely to accept offers from buyers who already have pre-approval or immediate financing in place.

Since they've lived there so long, I recommend giving them 60 days to move as a means of softening the blow.Third, don't negotiate or accept excuses.

If not weekly, please propose a cadence that is acceptable (not less than monthly). 

Hi Colin - are you still accepting MLS only agents in California?

It's easy to see other markets get all the praise because they're cheap and you can buy up properties like Skittles.

Sellers had multiple "accepted" offers and all were placed in interpleader accounts. 

Went and viewed about 10 properties, made an offer on one without a buyer's agent, so that the selling agent would double end the deal and they accepted a below ask offer at a time when prices were climbing.How did you finance this deal?

It is not a scam, but you will have a very hard time finding a deal that is worth working with them, and frankly you are going to have to find someone that does not understand at all what their property is worth and get them to accept a super lowball offer to make it worth it. even then their points and fees will eat up so much that getting the 10% down loan will have a much much higher profit margin.

The only time we need additional information is if they are denied.Once accepted, we tell them exactly what we need from them to move in.