Buying a home involves critical steps, and one of the most important is understanding who delivers your offer to the seller framework. Many buyers wonder who actually handles the transfer of their offer and how the communication flows behind the scenes. This framework breaks down each role so buyers and sellers can navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

This article breaks down the Offer Delivery Framework, helping both buyers and sellers understand how offers are drafted, sent, presented, and negotiated.

Understanding the Offer Delivery Framework

The offer delivery framework explains who prepares the offer, who submits it, and how it reaches the seller.
The key roles involved include:

• Buyer’s Agent
• Listing (Seller’s) Agent
• Seller
• Buyer (only in rare cases)
• Digital submission platforms

1. Who Prepares the Offer?

Buyer’s Agent (Primary Role)

Your real estate agent typically drafts your purchase offer. They ensure:

• Contract accuracy
• Legal compliance
• Contingency structure
• Offer strategy

Buyer (Supporting Role)

You (the buyer) review, approve, and sign before submission.

2. Who Delivers the Offer to the Seller?

Listing Agent (Normal Delivery Channel)

In most real estate transactions:

The buyer’s agent sends the offer to the listing agent, and the listing agent presents it to the seller.

Steps:

1. Buyer’s agent emails the offer to the listing agent
2. Listing agent verifies receipt
3. Listing agent reviews the offer
4. Listing agent explains it to the seller

This method is standard because it keeps the process:

• Organized
• Professionally handled
• Legally traceable

3. How Offers Are Delivered

A. Digital Delivery (Most Common Today)

• Email
• DocuSign Rooms
• Dotloop
• TransactionDesk
• MLS-integrated portals

B. In-Person Delivery (Traditional)

• Face-to-face agent handoff
• Printed offer presentation

C. Buyer Direct to Seller (Rare)

Only used in FSBO (For Sale By Owner) or private agreements—less professional and sometimes discouraged.

4. How the Listing Agent Presents the Offer

When the listing agent receives the offer, they present:

• Price
• Contingencies
• Financing strength
• Earnest money deposit
• Closing timeframe
• Buyer qualifications

The seller may also receive a summary of competing offers if it’s a multiple-offer situation.

5. After the Offer Is Delivered

The seller may:

• Accept the offer
• Reject the offer
• Counter the offer

Communication Flow:

Seller → Listing Agent → Buyer’s Agent → Buyer

6. Best Practices for Smooth Offer Delivery

For Buyers

• Get pre-approved
• Submit a strong offer quickly
• Keep contingencies reasonable
• Stay available for revisions

For Agents

• Confirm delivery in writing
• Submit a clean, organized contract
• Include supportive documents (pre-approval, proof of funds)
• Maintain fast communication

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a buyer deliver their offer directly to the seller?

Yes, but it’s rare and not recommended unless it’s a FSBO situation. Most markets require agents to handle the submission for accuracy and compliance.

2. Does the listing agent have to present every offer to the seller?

Yes. In most regions, listing agents are legally required to present all offers unless the seller provides written instructions that say otherwise.

3. Can the seller refuse to look at an offer?

Yes. A seller is not obligated to consider or respond to any offer; however, the listing agent must still document the submission.

4. Are verbal offers valid?

Verbal offers are not legally binding in real estate. All offers must be in writing to be enforceable.

5. What happens if the offer doesn’t reach the seller?

It’s the listing agent’s responsibility to confirm receipt. Buyer’s agents should also follow up to ensure delivery—not assume the email was received.

6. Do buyers get notified when the seller reviews the offer?

Not always instantly. The buyer’s agent receives updates from the listing agent once the seller makes a decision or requests changes.

7. Can multiple offers be delivered at once?

Yes. In competitive markets, listing agents may receive and present multiple offers simultaneously.

8. How long does a seller have to respond?

There is no universal rule. Most offers include a response deadline, typically 12–72 hours.

Conclusion

Understanding who delivers your offer to the seller framework helps buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions with confidence. The Offer Delivery Framework ensures clarity, professionalism, and smooth communication throughout the process.