In real estate, waiting for an answer can sometimes feel like watching paint dry. But when you’re buying or selling a home, a delayed response from an agent can mean more than just a frustrating afternoon. It can leave buyers wondering whether their offer was received, sellers waiting for important updates, and everyone involved wondering what’s happening next.
So, what can be done to improve communication between real estate agents? The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has guidelines in its Code of Ethics designed to encourage timely communication, transparency, and professional responsibility throughout a transaction.
Under Article 1, Standard of Practice 1-6, REALTORS® are expected to submit offers and counteroffers objectively and as quickly as possible. That means offers shouldn’t simply sit in an inbox while buyers anxiously wait for news.
There’s also an important provision many consumers may not know about. Under Standard of Practice 1-7, listing agents must continue presenting offers and counteroffers to sellers until closing unless the seller has waived that responsibility in writing. Additionally, when the buyer’s agent makes a written request, the listing agent must provide written confirmation, as soon as practical, that the offer was presented or that the seller waived the presentation requirement.
The same idea applies when counteroffers travel in the opposite direction. Standard of Practice 1-8 addresses buyer’s agents and their responsibility to provide written confirmation when requested by a listing agent that a counteroffer was presented to the buyer.
Does this mean an agent must respond immediately to every phone call, text, or email? Not exactly. The Code of Ethics does not establish a universal response time for every communication. However, it does establish expectations for handling offers and counteroffers promptly and professionally.
For buyers, a simple way to help avoid uncertainty is to ask their agent to confirm receipt of an offer and request written confirmation of its presentation when appropriate. Sellers should also communicate their expectations clearly with their listing agent, especially when multiple offers are involved.
Technology has made submitting paperwork easier than ever, but it hasn’t replaced the importance of human communication. A quick update, a clear explanation, or even an honest acknowledgment that an answer is still pending can make a stressful transaction feel much more manageable.
At the end of the day, buying or selling a home is a major financial and personal decision. Good communication isn’t just a courtesy; it’s an important part of professional real estate service. Agents who keep everyone appropriately informed help build trust, reduce confusion, and make the road to closing a little less bumpy.
Real Estate Communication: Questions Buyers and Sellers Ask
Are real estate agents required to present every offer to a seller?
REALTORS® generally must continue presenting offers and counteroffers until closing unless the seller has waived this obligation in writing.
Can a buyer’s agent request proof that an offer was presented?
Yes. Under NAR Standard of Practice 1-7, a cooperating broker can make a written request for confirmation that an offer was presented or that the seller waived the requirement.
How quickly should real estate agents respond to offers?
NAR Standard of Practice 1-6 says REALTORS® should submit offers and counteroffers objectively and as quickly as possible. It does not specify an exact number of hours.
Does the NAR Code of Ethics apply to every real estate agent?
The NAR Code of Ethics applies to REALTOR® members of the National Association of REALTORS®, not automatically to every licensed real estate agent.
Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“What Can Be Done to Enhance Agent Communication?”
National Association of REALTORS®
