Does Yes still Mean "YES"?
Acting as
Buyer's Agent, I wrote a an offer on behalf of a relocation client....He is a minister and relocating to our metro area from Tennessee....We had a shortened time table related to our search and the Buyer's relocation; we needed to find a home and close on the sale before January 15, 2010. Funny thing, the Buyer was explaining a finer point of ethics and integrity related to his "business" within the church during the home search process.
The Listing Agent countered our offer verbally, we accepted, verbally, and asked the Listing Agent to put their counter in writing (required in our licensure)....The Listing Agent told us we'd have the signed counter in an hour...then another hour, then as soon as they could send it...YOU KNOW WHERE THIS IS HEADED....
Then we get the word, the Seller couldn't respond until 9:30 that evening, there were no other offers, yada yada yada....Then we find out the Seller accepted another offer prior to the 9:30 deadline...HUH?
True, "nothing happens until it happens in writing", and yet the Buyer asked me, "Doesn't anyone's word mean anything in your business?"
When does an offer become a
contract? In our licensure, it becomes a contract when both parties have a meeting of the minds demonstrated in writing.
At the Buyer's request, I contacted the Listing Agent and asked him, "Doesn't anyone's word mean anything in your business?"...He tells me, "Nope." "Get a
real estate attorney and come after us if you like...."
Hum.
Does your REALTOR have the reputation of keeping their word? To you? To others in our business? This Listing Agent sure showed his colors...Next time I enter into a transaction with this Realtor, I'll make my client aware of his reputation.
We're Five Star Customer Satisfaction rated, and we'll make a client list available if you like...Should we talk?