A property is shown to prospective buyers by a cooperating agent who is a long-time friend of the listing agent. While still in the house the buyers make a full-price offer on the property. As the cooperating agent is locking up the house, the owners return and ask how the showing went. The cooperating agent explains there is an offer on the property and will immediately deliver it to the listing agent. The owners beg the cooperating agent to present the offer immediately. The cooperating agent should

While the owners may desire immediate action, the cooperating agent must adhere to proper procedures and ethical obligations. Presenting the offer directly to the owners bypasses the listing agent, potentially undermining their role and violating the terms of the agency relationship.

This option is inappropriate as it disregards the established protocol of involving the listing agent. The cooperating agent cannot impose pressure on the owners to sign without first delivering the offer to the listing agent, as this could lead to ethical conflicts and misunderstandings regarding representation.

Although delivering the offer to the listing agent is correct, verbally communicating details about the offer to the sellers could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the negotiation process. The cooperating agent should refrain from sharing specifics until the listing agent has had the opportunity to present the offer formally.