Ask sellers upfront how they’d like you to respond to such an inquiry from a buyer or cooperating broker. If sellers haven’t given you approval to disclose, you have to respond that the sellers don’t want the presence of other offers disclosed but you would be happy to present any offer.

This is an important conversation to have with sellers at the time of listing, especially if multiple offers are typical in the market. That way you will be able to respond promptly and appropriately.

Article 1, Standard of Practice 1-15 states:

“REALTORS®, in response to inquiries from buyers or cooperating brokers shall, with the sellers’ approval, disclose the existence of offers on the property. Where disclosure is authorized, REALTORS® shall also disclose, IF ASKED, whether offers were obtained by the listing licensee, another licensee in the listing firm, or by a cooperating broker.”

(Adopted 1/03, Amended 1/09)