What is the Secret to Getting Your Home Offer Accepted?

By Marcus Vanzant

Marcus Vanzant is a second-generation real estate broker and founder of Marcus & Company Realty in Bradenton, FL.

What’s the number one key to getting your offers accepted? My answer is simple: pick up the phone and communicate. Few buyers communicate with listing agents or ask questions. You need to talk with the listing agent, ask questions, and develop a relationship.

As a listing agent, I receive many offers emailed without conversations or questions. Many don’t even ask what the seller wants. In real estate, both parties need to feel like they’re winning; sellers shouldn’t feel taken advantage of, and buyers shouldn’t overpay and feel robbed.

But how can they win if you don’t know what the other party wants? Here are some questions to ask the listing agent:

• How fast does your seller want to be gone?

• Where are they planning to move?

• Do they need more time?

• What are their biggest concerns?

• Have you received any other offers?

Many agents call and ask, “What will the seller accept?” The listing agent might say it’s against the code of ethics to tell you, but agents can share details about any offers that were ignored or rejected.

If a seller has already rejected an offer, it doesn’t make sense to submit the same offer right away unless some time has passed. The seller’s situation might have changed, and that offer could be more appealing now. But if you don’t ask the listing agent about it, you won’t know.

The bottom line is: to get your offers accepted, reach out and build a relationship with the listing agent so they trust you. Many agents tend to overlook details or are struggling to master their craft, so asking thoughtful questions will help you stand out as a knowledgeable and reliable agent.

Don’t just submit your offers and hope for the best. Inform the agent by calling and saying, “I have a client thinking about making an offer. Can I ask you a few questions?” Then follow up with, “Just a heads up, that offer is coming your way. I just emailed it to you.”Open communication is key. Too many people aren’t making calls, which is a missed opportunity.

If you want to learn more tips on how to succeed in your real estate transactions, call or send a message anytime at (941)404-8676 or success@marcusandcompanyrealty.com. I’d love to help you.