Agent calls, buyer’s agents and offers
Which agent calls to take, working with buyer’s agents, and what to do when an offer comes in.
Two kinds of agent calls
Agents who want to list your home will call often. A polite “thanks, I’m selling it myself” is enough; the hotline already screens many of them out.
Buyer’s agents are different: they’re bringing a buyer. Most buyers work with one, so treat these calls like buyer calls and book the showing.
Buyer’s agent fees
Whether you pay part of the buyer’s agent fee is your decision. Since 2024, offers of compensation aren’t advertised in the MLS, and buyers sign agreements with their own agents. A buyer may ask you to cover their agent’s fee in the offer; you can accept, counter or decline it like any other term.
When an offer comes in
- Ask for it in writing, along with a pre-approval letter or proof of funds.
- Look past the price: earnest money, financing type, inspection and appraisal contingencies, closing date and who pays which costs all matter.
- Use a real estate attorney or title company for the contract and closing. FSBO Listed doesn’t negotiate, advise on offers or prepare contracts.
- Once you accept an offer, request “under contract” from your dashboard so the MLS, the homes search and the hotline all say so.