Generally there is no requirement that a seller of real estate accept a full-price offer. There may be many terms other than price that justifiably cause a seller to reject a full-price offer. These may include representations or warranties the buyer wants the seller to make, financing terms, inspections, or any other number of conditions.
However, if the seller is represented by a real estate agent, the seller may have agreed with the agent to sell a home under certain circumstances.
These circumstances are generally spelled out in the Listing Agreement with the agent. If the seller receives an offer that meets all the conditions set forth in the Listing Agreement and refuses to accept the offer, the agent may be entitled to a sales commission under the Listing Agreement.
Douglas N. Kiger, Attorney at Law
Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.