when can one request/get an estoppel letter

[GNS]

i'm interested in making an offer on the Marriott's Grande Vista resort, and based on my understanding, an estoppel letter helps us determine the property you're buying. However, I'm not clear on when one can request an estoppel letter. Can you request it before making an offer?

I tried to request an estoppel letter prior to making my offer got these response from the sellers:
"An estoppel is given once escrow is opened. You cannot request an estoppel without a seller authorization which they sign with the sale agreement. I can provide the week and unit number for your unit that will be on the deed. Will that work?"

AND
"You are asking for an estoppels on another unit as well. Are you interested in more one? If you would like to make an offer and if it is accepted I will ask the seller if they are ok to release the estoppels to you at that time."

I'm just worried that if I make an offer and it doesn't turn out to be what it's, wouldn't it be too late OR maybe I can back out of the offer, since it's only an offer and not a contract to buy?

thanks

 

[Saintsfanfl]

An estoppel is not much better than the listing or the agreement. It is just a form filled out by a clerk, and mistake are often made.

Are you buying for a PCC on ebay or a broker from a listing site? Neither will provide the true seller's name before you at least make an offer but both should have already performed due diligence on the unit. Make sure you understand what you are buying and then make sure your agreement matches. Lastly make sure you end up receiving what you bargained for. If this is a PCC on ebay you want to make sure it is a reputable one because there are some that do not perform due diligence and will not fix receiving the wrong thing once it is too late.

 

[GNS]

Are you buying for a PCC on ebay or a broker from a listing site?

I believe they're real estate/TS broker. I basically responded to the listing on the Redweek.com and we've been exchanging email. I've been looking at ebay listing, but not sure if i want to bid on anything yet, if i can find something outside of ebay.

thanks

 

[DeniseM]

An estoppel is not much better than the listing or the agreement. It is just a form filled out by a clerk, and mistake are often made.

I respectfully disagree - since it comes from resort management it acts as documentation if there is a mistake made.