Who Delivers Your Offer to the Seller? Full Guide & Framework

Buying a home is exciting, but let’s be honest, it’s also confusing. Especially when it comes time to make an offer. You’ve found the right place, talked numbers, maybe even lined up a loan. But now you’re asking: who actually gives my offer to the seller?

This part of the process can feel like a mystery. Does your agent hand it over in person? Is it emailed? And what if you don’t even have an agent, then what? Don’t worry. You’re not alone in wondering.

In this article, we’ll walk through who delivers your offer, how the process works, and what to expect next. Whether you’re working with a pro or going it solo, you’ll get the info you need to feel ready and confident.

Want to skip the back-and-forth and move fast? Get a no-hassle cash offer from iBuyer.com. It’s quick, fair, and you pick your close date.

What Is a Real Estate Offer and Who’s Involved?

Before we get into who delivers your offer, let’s talk about what an offer actually is. A real estate offer is a written agreement from a buyer to a seller. It lays out what you’re willing to pay and under what terms. This includes your price, move-in timeline, and any conditions like a home inspection.

It’s not just a number on a piece of paper. It’s a full package. Most offers also include a closing date, pre-approval letter, and sometimes proof of funds. This helps show the seller that you’re serious and ready to go.

There are a few key people involved in this part of the home buying process. There’s you (the buyer), the seller, and usually two agents, one for each side. The buyer’s agent helps you put your offer together. The seller’s agent (also called the listing agent) delivers it to the seller and helps guide their response.

Sometimes one agent represents both you and the seller. That’s called dual agency, and while it’s legal in some places, it can get tricky. We’ll get into that a bit later.

Who Delivers Your Offer to the Seller in a Traditional Sale?

When you’re buying a home the usual way, with an agent on your side, they’re the one who delivers your offer. Your agent writes everything up, gets your signature, and sends it to the seller’s agent. That’s the most common setup.

If You’re Working With a Real Estate Agent

Your agent will usually email the offer directly to the listing agent. Sometimes they call first to give a heads-up. It’s their job to make sure your offer is clear, complete, and presented in the best light.

If You’re Not Working With an Agent (FSBO)

No agent? No problem, you can still make an offer. You’ll need to send it yourself, either by email or through a real estate attorney. Just make sure it’s written correctly. If you’re unsure, having a lawyer review it can save you stress later.

When Dual Agency Is Involved

If the same agent represents both you and the seller, that’s called dual agency. It’s legal in some states but comes with rules. The agent has to stay neutral, no picking sides. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can ask for a different setup.

How Technology and Digital Tools Streamline Offer Delivery

These days, most real estate offers are sent electronically. That means no paper handoffs, no waiting for in-person meetings. Just email, DocuSign, and other digital platforms. It’s fast, secure, and takes way less effort than it used to.

Your agent can send your offer with one click. You review and sign online using tools like DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign, or even newer platforms like Dotloop or HelloSign. No printing. No scanning. Just click, sign, and you’re done.

If you’re handling the offer yourself, you can still use these same tools. Just make sure everything’s clear and correct before you send it off. Many of these platforms also include checklists or templates, which help you avoid mistakes.

Some real estate brokerages use digital dashboards that track your offer after it’s sent. You might see when the seller opens it or if the agent asks for edits. It’s like package tracking, but for one of the biggest deals of your life.

Bottom line? Tech makes things quicker, safer, and more transparent, for both buyers and sellers.

What Happens After the Offer Is Delivered?

Once your offer lands in the seller’s hands, things move fast. First, the listing agent reviews it. They’ll check the price, the terms, and if everything’s filled out right. Then, they share it with the seller, sometimes with their own advice on what to do next.

The seller has three basic choices: accept, counter, or decline. If they like your offer as-is, they can sign and lock it in. That means you’re under contract and on your way to closing.

If they want to tweak something, maybe the price, the move-in date, or repairs, they’ll send a counter offer. You can either agree, counter again, or walk away. It’s kind of like polite negotiating.

If the seller declines your offer, it’s back to the drawing board. But don’t take it personally, it could just mean they got something stronger or faster.

Once the offer is accepted, it’s time to schedule things like a home inspection and set the closing date. That’s when the deal becomes real, and the countdown to move-in begins.

How iBuyer Offers Are Delivered (and How That’s Different)

With iBuyer.com, there’s no need to wait on agents or paperwork piles. The whole offer process is handled online, fast, clear, and backed by data. You don’t need to prep documents or worry about how to deliver anything. It’s all built in.

You start by answering a few simple questions about your home. Then, iBuyer uses real-time market data to build your cash offer. No guessing, no games. If you like the number, you pick your close date and move on your terms.

No agent emails. No hoping your offer gets seen. You skip all that and go straight to what matters, a real, serious offer with zero pressure.

It’s not just faster, it’s smarter. You know upfront what you’re getting and when you can move. And if the deal works for you, you’re done. No drama, no delays.

Reilly’s Two Cents

I’ve helped plenty of people sell their homes, and I can tell you, how your offer gets delivered can really set the tone. When it’s done right, things move quickly and everyone feels good about the deal. When it’s sloppy or slow, it creates confusion, delays, and sometimes even lost opportunities.

Whether you’re using an agent or doing it yourself, here are a few tips I always recommend:

• Get pre-approved first. Sellers take your offer more seriously when they see you’re ready to buy.
• Have your paperwork lined up. That includes your financing info, desired closing date, and any terms that matter to you.
• Use digital tools the right way. DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and other platforms make things faster, but double-check everything before hitting send.
• If you’re going solo, loop in a pro. A real estate attorney can catch issues you might miss and help make sure your offer sticks.

Taking a few extra steps up front can make a huge difference when it’s time to make your move.

The Right Way

At the end of the day, how your offer gets delivered, and by who, can shape the whole deal. Whether it’s an agent, a seller, or you hitting send, what matters most is that it’s clear, complete, and sent the right way.

Understanding the process helps you stay calm and confident. And when you’re ready to move, that confidence goes a long way.

Want to skip the stress and get a real offer, fast? Try iBuyer.com. You’ll get a data-backed cash offer and pick your close date, no middlemen, no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions