However, Article 9 states that an agent's obligation is to have agreements in writing "whenever possible." "REALTORS®, for the ­protection of all parties, shall assure whenever possible that all agreements related to real estate transactions including, but not limited to, listing and representation agreements, purchase contracts, and leases are in writing..."

Taking these three parts of the Code together, I think it's safe to say that written offers are always preferable. However, Article 9 is a flexible requirement because of the phrase "whenever possible." And because Standards of Practice 1-6 and 1-7 do not limit presentation of offers to those in writing, my ­conclusion is that all offers must be submitted-whether in writing or in the spoken word-but the fact that an offer is done verbally is not a violation of the Code. While it is possible that your state license law may limit presentation of offers to written offers, the Code does not make that distinction.