Don’t Forget Seller’s Side When Making Purchase Offer, Realtor Says

Robert J. Bruss, whether he is writing from the buyer’s or the seller’s viewpoint, never considers the other party to the contract. In his Nov. 16 article, “How to Write a Savvy Purchase Offer,” he writes that a buyer should review the standard purchase agreement and cross out sections he doesn’t agree with.

Bruss acts as if the buyer is out there deciding what should be in the contract and what shouldn’t, as if the seller is no longer to be considered.

When something is crossed out in the basic contract, I bring it to the attention of the seller immediately. Most sellers will react negatively and, if they have a way out of the offer, will then reject it out of hand.

In addition, Bruss writes that a buyer should put a “weasel” clause in the contract--”having the buyers’ attorney review the contract and allowing 10 days for that to take place.”

If I were representing the seller, I would suggest that the contract be shown to the attorney first and then presented to the seller. Very few sellers will wait 10 days with their homes ostensibly off the market.

It seems to me that Bruss knows nothing of the current working agent, who usually is looking out for the best interest of his client, be he the buyer or the seller, and of being fair to the other party in the contract.

MILT SCHIFF

Century 21 Lamb Realtors

Northridge