I dissuade my sellers from having me present verbal offers to them. On our Coldwell Banker listing agreements a seller must "check" to have these offers presented.  I say "don't check" even though a seller may find it tempting to do so.
First off, a verbal offer is not binding in any way shape or form.  So why have it presented?  Second, usually a verbal offer is basically a "drive by" who barks out a price with absolutely no conditions attached.  A verbal offer can look one way, but it can turn out to something different with many details omitted.   Examples- will there be a home inspection? Is this a cash deal? Closing date?
Third, writing up an offer takes time and effort. If someone from the buyer's side doesn't want to take the time to put together an offer for an important investment like a home purchase...how serious are they? When I am representing a buyer I will always write up my offer on behalf of my client because I want the seller to know that we mean business....even if the offer price is way off the list price.
Finally, a verbal offer is way too murky. It can result in a game of "he said/she said" that will lead to frustration and end up going no where.

So listen to the "King" (Elvis that is)..... because......talk is cheap.   :)



 

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