Press Release: 7/29/2025

Event Recap: Art of the Offer Pannel

 





The Art of the Offer



On July 22, 2025, the GBAR Young Professionals Committee hosted a dynamic panel discussion, The Art of the Offer, to help equip REALTORS® with practical insights and strategies for crafting strong, compelling offers in today’s competitive market.



This informative session highlighted the critical importance of preparation, communication, and relationship-building throughout the offer process—from the very first interaction with a buyer to final negotiations with a seller’s agent.



If you weren’t able to attend (or did attend, but so focused on the conversation you didn’t get to take notes), below are a few key takeaways:





Build Your Sphere, Build Your Business



Panelists emphasized that strong offers start with strong relationships. REALTORS® were encouraged to nurture their sphere of influence through:




  • Hosting curated events with past clients, new prospects, and personal networks.

  • Giving thoughtful gifts for client milestones.

  • Volunteering with boards or nonprofits to meet like-minded contacts.

  • Leveraging social media authentically—because business is personal.



 



Prepare, Educate & Set Expectations Early



A successful offer begins long before a client falls in love with a property. Tips included:




  • Conduct a discovery call with buyers to ensure alignment and avoid future frustration.

  • Consider optional onboarding meetings to set expectations early.

  • Encourage discussions around monthly payments, not just purchase price.

  • Involve the lender as early as possible to tailor property-specific pre-approvals and educate buyers on financial risks.



 



Communicate with Confidence & Courtesy



Building a rapport with the listing agent can give your offer an edge. Ask smart questions like:




  • “What am I up against?”

  • “What’s most important to the seller—timeline, price, or terms?”

  • Attend open houses with clients and, when possible, FaceTime the listing agent to build trust and understanding.



 



Tactics & Tools That Matter



Panelists explored several offer strategies and nuances, such as:




  • Escalation clauses—know when and how to use them appropriately.

  • Appraisal gaps and waivers—make sure buyers fully understand the risks.

  • Use & Occupancy (U&O) agreements and home sale contingencies.

  • Seller concessions—like using credits for rate buy-downs or closing costs.



And always remember: How would you want to receive an offer? Present your offer professionally, with clarity, respect, and completeness. That professionalism often becomes the difference-maker.



 



The Bottom Line: Preparation Is Power

Panelists left attendees with an important reminder: No sphere, no clients, no offers. Success in this business starts with relationships—and it’s essential to invest in your network early and often. Attend industry events to connect with fellow REALTORS®, lenders, attorneys, and other professionals who can help you better serve your clients. Visit GBAR’s calendar page regularly to stay informed about upcoming opportunities. From building your sphere to setting clear expectations and submitting well-prepared offers, every step matters when guiding clients through one of life’s biggest decisions.



Thank you to our expert panelists and all who joined us for this impactful event. Stay tuned for future YPN programming from GBAR!





Special thanks to our event sponsors:

Brookline Bancorp

Movement Mortgage