Presenting Offers Promptly: A Legal Obligation for Oregon Agents

Q: Can a seller’s agent say that offers will not be reviewed over the weekend? I see that comment in the MLS private remarks of a listing I’m preparing to show. 

A: Oregon law requires that all written offers received by a seller’s agent be promptly presented to the seller. This means a seller’s agent cannot independently decide to delay or withhold presenting an offer. As licensed real estate professionals, we are obligated to present every offer in a timely manner.

If a seller is expected to be unavailable over a weekend, it is best practice for the listing agent to clearly communicate this in the MLS listing or directly to buyers’ agents, clarifying that while the offer will be promptly presented (as required by law), the seller may not review or respond right away. Transparency around the seller’s availability helps manage expectations and ensures a smooth transaction process. Whenever possible, the listing agent should also personally notify the buyer’s agent upon receipt of an offer, especially when a delay in response is anticipated.

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