1. Does the initial offer have to be presented in person by the agent?

2. Normally who does the initial deposit get made out to ? The listing broker, buying broker, the seller ?

Thank you.

1.That varies by customs of your local area.

2.That's negotiable and also varies by area. It can be held by title companies,brokers in escrow accounts,attornies,the seller,etc.

Talk to your broker for accurate practices for your area.

Here is how it works here in the Minneapolis, MN real estate market:

The initial offer on the property rarely gets presented in person to the listing agent. Almost all offers are faxed or emailed to the listing agent.

The earnest money is made to the listing brokerage.

I hope this information helps! Happy house hunting!

[quote=2 62n6266mn]
2. Normally who does the initial deposit get made out to ? The listing broker, buying broker, the seller ?

Thank you.[/quote]

The initial deposit is always done by the buying broker, as per as i have seen through these years.

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The initial deposit is generally made out to the listing broker, unless otherwise specified....

Holding of the earnest money is something that varies by local custom.

You need to ask your principal broker because its going to be different in every State and the answers you get here are just going to confuse you.

However, in my opinion you would be representing your buyer much more effectively if you are allowed to present the offer in person. Sometimes thats not possible, but I try all the time unless its a bank or a seller that is not available.

Your earnest money agreement and how you fill it out will determine who the deposit gets paid to.

Around here the buyers side holds it. Its totally a local custom thing from what I can gather.