.Leah, The basis of the process starts with what the listing agreement. this will define the submission of an offer to purchase. If the seller failed to sign or accept the offer is another matter. Your agent, dependant on the listing agreement may have earned their commision, pruducing a ready and qualified buyer. Did you work with the listing office? Did your agent fron another firm make the offer? Was the agent using information from the MLS. Was this information misstated. Recourse, this is America, SUE for Specific Performance, put a Les Pendance on the property.

However as the other agents respond, the banks make the ruiles. Yes they do. We as Realtors will continue to waste your time and ours until we refuse to offer sevices. It is time that we value ourselves, our clients, and refuse to do business with these sellers. We should state with WAMU. Really, at the end of the day, they need us more than we need them. Realtors Unite. Edwin

While it doesn't seem fair, the bank doesn't have to play fair - they are looking to minimize their losses on this property.

Leah -

Recourse? No.

Options? Yes - be present/involved with the option and put your very best offer forward. Be sure you know the value of the home based like homes that have sold or are pending sales within 1 mile of the home of interest. Be prepared to negotiate with as little emotion about "getting it" as possible. Start with a fair price and then know your top price. Find out how much experience your agent has with auctions.

Also - keep looking. There is more than one deal to be had these days.

Good luck,
CJ