Sellers agent failed to respond

Ask Phyllis: a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions.

Seller’s agent failed to respond

Dear Phyllis,

I made a full-price offer on a townhome. The seller set a deadline for offers, and I submitted mine on time. However, the seller’s agent did not even confirm receipt of my offer. My agent had to text her before she finally acknowledged it. The seller’s agent communicated poorly throughout the process, and three days after I submitted my offer, Zillow notified me that the property was already in escrow. The seller’s agent ignored my offer and failed to communicate, which left me very upset. I was so upset that I posted a poor review for the agent on Yelp. She later called and asked me to remove it, but I refused because I believed she acted rudely and unprofessionally. I guess my question is whether there is a rule of thumb for how responses to offers should be handled? Lila

Dear Lila,

I understand your frustration. It is simply about consideration for others. As soon as I receive an offer, I reply: “Received, not yet reviewed.” An agent who took the time to prepare and submit an offer certainly deserves that simple courtesy. Buyers are emotionally invested and often rearrange schedules, finances, and expectations around a property they hope to purchase. Even if the seller decides to accept another offer, professional etiquette calls for timely communication. There is absolutely a professional expectation of courtesy and responsiveness.

A good listing agent will usually communicate whether the seller has received multiple offers. The seller’s agent should clearly communicate whether the seller is considering counteroffers and when the seller has made a decision. A quick email saying, “The seller accepted another offer,” takes only minutes to send. Poor communication frustrates buyers and leaves them feeling dismissed.

As for your Yelp review, consumers absolutely have the right to share honest experiences. Real estate professionals should communicate clearly, respond promptly, and treat everyone with respect throughout the transaction. Unfortunately, some agents fail to meet those standards. The good news is that your experience also shows the value of working with an agent who advocates for you, follows up consistently, and keeps you informed every step of the way. I hope your next home-buying experience goes much more smoothly.