I think it make sense upfront to check and see what's important, like the closing time frame, as well as what escrow and title company is preferred, appliances that stay/go, etc. Establishing some communication and a relationship right up front can really help

I tell it like it is and take the the first move always. Why waste time? Yes to upfront work and a smooth aftermath comrade Inna Ivchenko 

It really depends on the situation.  If I think that the property will go quickly I wont tip my hand that I am writing an offer but I will call the agent to let them now that it is in their mailbox waiting for them.  However if the property has been on a while, I will call to find out seller motivation, what kind of timeline the seller(s) might be looking for or other things that are important to my client.

Depending on the type of property and my seller clients I may request that an agent contact me prior to submitting an offer.

I try to be helpful, but sometimes "best offer" is the only advice I can give them.  Depends on if we've crossed into those waters before or not.

I'm with Jeff Dowler CRS . I like to get in touch with the listing agent if nothing else than to find out if there are offers coming in, or why a listing dropped out of escrow, for example. Usually, I get some hints as to what the seller is looking for ie. is he moving out of the area and needs more time, wants out fast, etc. It helps with the offer. After all, he wouldn't tell me if it would hurt his client, would he?

Inna,
I’m with you. If the buyer is flexible why try to guess what the seller wants? Those who just say “highest and best” aren’t acting in their seller’s best interest, IMHO.

I think it depends on what you are trying to negotiate.  Some items I will be happy to share with the buyers' agent, others not so much.

The only thing I want to know as a rule is, does the seller have a title company preference (developers, investor sellers who do volume business) and did you receive the offer because you didn't confirm delivery. :D
If there is a particular condition issue I am not understanding or critical data is not included in MLS remarks, possibly that as well for clarity.
I grow weary of when agents call to feel me out, then they send something completely different and I feel like they either punked me or their clients punked them. Why am I going to get my seller jacked up over a moving target?
Also, I don't want to call the listing agent necessarily to give them a heads up to shop the offer. YMMV of course.

It depends on the situation.

Go to agent's office meet in person presenting your case. I value person to person contact before I consider offers.  I am skeptical to get an offer in my eMail w/o an introduction.

It is a good idea to do this if you have time and the market is not extremely hot.

I really need to know why 'cash only' and/or 'AS IS' is included in the data.

No need to waste everyone's effort with a financed purchase if the roof is ka-puts as opposed to seller convience.  Anyone who I perceive will be quoting club rules using words like ethics may encounter issues. 

Inna,

We did that in commercial real estate, and we had wonderful agents to work with.  It made life so much easier and everyone walked away a winner.  Sometimes, the other side wanted to play games, and that is life.  A

I used to but then there aren't that many experienced people in my area. I would ask what the sellers preferred time frame is, etc. That's not done so much anymore & I think it would save time doing so. Now they just counter & one portion of the contract could have already been worked out.

Each situation is different and if I have a solid working relationship with the other agent, I may open the door to see if there may be added information to affect the offer price and terms.

Good morning Inna. I would thing it is pretty smart to have verbal communication with the listing agent.

I always sound out my clients on their plan if there is a counter, letting them know we will not signal their hand but assessing how high they will go and other terms that they're willing to modify.

Inna Ivchenko if I think the offer is not going to come to fruition, I usually start verbal - however, if I am close, I do WRITE the offer.

I always have a conversation with the listing agent to get an idea of what is important to the seller - terms, scheduling and that kind of stuff.  

I don't think it should be negotiated verbally. Write a good offer and see what happens.

For me Inna Ivchenko I want to submit an offer before any negations so it's in print and no one can claim things were not fully on the up and up.

I too call the listing agent prior to writing an offer for a buyer, especially if it is occupied to get the items important to the Seller included in the offer.

It's a good idea but few do it

It depends upon the situations and the relationships with the agents.

It depends on the situation. If I know the listing agent well, I might be more inclined to make some inquiries!

Never.  Put it in writing. Period.

It would make things flow better, unfortunately most agents will not discuss any terms until an offer is written.

 It makes perfect sense to me.

Im with you Debbie Reynolds

Stopping by to read your replies. I'm sure I will learn something.