What should a real estate agent do if they receive a written offer?

When a real estate agent receives a written offer, the appropriate action is to present it to the client promptly. This is crucial because the client has the right to be informed about any offers made on their property so they can make timely decisions regarding acceptance, rejection, or further negotiation.

Presenting the offer quickly allows the client to consider the terms, ask questions, and respond promptly to potential buyers, which can be critical in a competitive market. Additionally, timely presentation of offers is often required by real estate laws and ethical guidelines, reinforcing the agent's obligation to act in the best interest of the client.

The other options do not align with best practices in real estate transactions. For instance, negotiating the offer with someone else could lead to conflicts of interest or mismanagement of the client's interests. Filing it for future reference essentially neglects the client's immediate needs and could result in missed opportunities. Delaying the presentation could jeopardize the client’s chances to engage in negotiations effectively. Thus, presenting the offer promptly is the standard and preferred procedure in real estate practice.