Imagine this: You've set your sights on your dream home, ready to make an offer, when suddenly you're told there are multiple offers in play. It's a common scenario, especially during the bustling spring market in the Fraser Valley. But what if those competing bids aren't as genuine as they seem? Can realtors really conjure up rival offers to sway negotiations or inflate the asking price?

Let me share a personal anecdote that left a lasting impression. Several years ago, I found myself in a situation where multiple offers were purportedly on the table, prompting swift action from my buyers and me. However, just moments before the offer presentation, we received a startling call. The other offer, we were told, had mysteriously vanished, leaving us as the sole contenders. Despite this unexpected turn of events, the realtor insisted on presenting our original offer without allowing us the opportunity to revise it. Their rationale? "I know what your people are willing to pay," they confidently asserted. After some assertive (read: screaming, threatening)  reminders from me to my colleague of a realtor’s ethical obligations, my buyer managed to revise the offer to a lower price, which was eventually accepted. To this day, my buyers still reside happily in the same home, nearly a decade later.

But what's the real impact of such situations? It's more than just a minor inconvenience—it's a breach of trust in the realtor, the profession, and the entire home buying process. In British Columbia, realtors are bound by stringent ethical standards, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and unwavering loyalty to their clients' best interests. Distorting the truth, such as fabricating multiple offers, isn't just frowned upon—it's explicitly prohibited by the Real Estate Services Act (RESA). RESA mandates that realtors must promptly and accurately disclose all offers received on a property, ensuring transparency and fairness in negotiations.

In a bid to enhance transparency in bidding wars, the Vancouver and Fraser Valley boards introduced a Disclosure of Multiple Offers Presented Form in July 2023. This form lists the offers received and the submitting brokerage, aiming to provide greater clarity without disclosing specific offer amounts or conditions. The form must be signed by the selling realtor and homeowner and shared with all participants of the multiple offer situation within one calendar day after the seller accepts an offer. This change is a step forward in fostering trust in the real estate transaction process.

So, can realtors still manipulate negotiations with tales of multiple offers? While the temptation may persist, the stringent regulations and safeguards in British Columbia's real estate realm make it increasingly difficult to deceive. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, it's essential for both buyers and sellers to remain vigilant and informed. Have you faced similar situations? Share your experiences below or DM me. Let's keep the conversation going.

*In the intricate game of real estate negotiations, honesty serves as our unwavering ace, guiding us through transactions with integrity and transparency.*