Love it, hate it… it’s one of the most talked about (and often misunderstood) forms in real estate.
Form 917.
If you’ve been house hunting for even a minute, you’ve likely come across it. It’s usually attached to a listing that says something like “offers to be presented at X date and time.” And if you’re a buyer, it can bring up a mix of emotions… anticipation, pressure, maybe even a little frustration.
So let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.
What is Form 917?
Form 917 gives sellers the option to hold and review offers at a specific, scheduled date and time.
Instead of looking at offers as they come in, the seller is essentially saying:
“We’re going to wait. Let everyone have a chance to see the home. Then we’ll review everything at once.”
And yes… this is completely intentional.
Why do sellers use it?
From a seller’s perspective, it creates structure and (in many cases) demand.
It allows:
More buyers to view the home
More time for buyers to do their due diligence
The potential for multiple offers to come in at once
It’s about giving the property full exposure before making a decision.
But here’s the part that really matters…
Once that Form 917 is in place, it’s binding.
That means:
The seller cannot view offers early
The seller cannot accept an offer before the scheduled time
Even if an incredible offer comes in… they still have to wait
It’s written directly into their listing agreement, so it’s not flexible based on mood, pressure, or “just this one time.”
This is where a lot of confusion happens, especially for buyers who want to come in strong and try to “win” the home early.
Why it can actually benefit buyers
I know… it doesn’t always feel like it in the moment.
But Form 917 does give buyers something really valuable: time.
Time to:
Walk through the home without feeling rushed
Think through your decision
Review comparables
Get your financing and conditions in order
Instead of feeling like you need to submit something immediately just to compete, you’re given a window to be thoughtful and strategic.
And in a market where emotions can run high… that matters.
What happens if no offers come in?
If the scheduled date and time passes with no offers received, the game changes.
At that point:
The seller is no longer bound to wait
Offers can be reviewed and accepted at any time
So if you’ve been watching a property and that offer date comes and goes… there may be an opportunity there.
What if there’s no Form 917 at all?
Simple.
If there’s no 917 in place, offers can be submitted at any time, and the seller can review and respond whenever they choose. However the sellers still need to respond within the acceptance time the buyer has stipulated in their offer.
No waiting. No set timeline.
My honest take
Like a lot of things in real estate… it’s not about loving or hating it.
It’s about understanding it.
Form 917 is a strategy. Sometimes it works really well. Sometimes it doesn’t. But either way, knowing how it works puts you in a much stronger position - whether you’re buying or selling.
And if you ever find yourself staring at an offer date wondering what to do next… this is exactly where having the right guidance matters.
No pressure. Just a conversation, a plan, and making sure you feel confident every step of the way.
Sincerely, Samantha
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