In our area it is becoming more common for agents to have their seller sign an agreement upon listing the property that all offers must be presented through listing agent. I think these sellers are losing in some cases. I personally like to have the buyer's agent present their buyers' offer unless I have a seller who cannot keep his/her mouth shut or are easily read. More than once I have been able to tell by the agents presentation how badly their buyer wants the place and the likelihood that their buyer will pay more. Also, sometimes there is something about the buyers and their agent that makes the sellers comfortable and helps with a smoother transaction (although I have to admit in rare cases the opposite is true). I find it is a courtesy I like to extend to the buyers' agent. I always ask the buyers' agent if he/she wishes to present the offer in person unless circumstances would hurt the seller, then I explain this to the buyers' agent and we work it out sometimes with a conference call if the buyers' agent still wishes to present the offer.
It's aggravating when agents don't extend the same courtesy to me to state my buyer's case.
I recently lost out on dual offers when the listing agent insisting on presenting the offers. It ends up that this agent had the other buyer and failed to let me know this (even though I asked 3 times). All ended well since I found my buyers a better home at a lower price and better resale potential. As it is, I have lost all trust for this agent who happens to be a heavy hitter in our area.
I am very busy myself and sometimes it is easier to just fax the offer in, but I make sure I ask my buyers first. If they rather I present in person, I do. It makes for an interesting offer when the sellers agent insists on presenting and my buyer insists on me presenting. But the way I see it, I need to represent my buyers fully.
