[quote=EJ]I am also considering submitting an offer directly to a listing agent. Thanks for the info SDR, very helpful.

Does anyone have a template for writing an offer they would like to share, or can recommend a website?

I was going to add a comment at the end something like “this offer is pending review by buyers legal counsel” so I can have someone review details with my interest in mind before signing the purchase agreement. Do you think this makes the offer weak? If yes, how would I protect my right to independent review but get across I am willing to let the listing agent keep the entire commission?

I am really just interested in seeing if they will accept an offer at my price point. I would want to work out the details afterwards if they would consider the price. I have a pre-approval letter ready to go at the offer price.

Thanks in advance for any advice![/quote]

The legal format you’re talking about (basically including an attorney review contingency) is actually the way it is done here in NJ. It’s not an unreasonable thing to include, but if your seller is one of those people who balks at anything that seems “different,” you might have a problem.

What is your motivation for not using your own agent? If you don’t expect to get a cut of the commission, wouldn’t you be better off having someone in your court? I guess I’m confused.

The other thing that you can do is go to a real estate attorney at the outset and have him/her draft up a purchase agreement that you like (or you could use the standard format that’s floating around – although you should check to see if there is any copyright protection on that).