do real estate agents have to pass on all offers?

In NSW (not sure about other states), the real estate agent in question is required to pass on all offers either verbal or written unless the vendor has made a specific request (best practice is for the agent to have it in writing from the vendor) not to recieve any offers under X amount.

Ok, the agent does not need to and most likely won't show you the vendors request in writing (they may not even have it in writing ! ) …   that comment was more so made as it is best practice for the agent to have the request for offers not to be submitted below X amount in writing to protect themselves. Eg. Otherwise if it all goes pear shapes it could turn into a he said / she said argument as to why all offers were not submitted.

Most real estates will have a standard form that they want offers submitted on which will include details such as your solicitor etc…      from a legal perspective, it really doesnt matter how your offer is submitted. Verbal or written (fax, email, handwritten), the agent is still required to submit all offers from other interested buys and niether party (vendor or buyer) is legally bound to purchase / sell the property until such time as contracts have exchanged.

Best advice, especially in a hot market or on a property that is a seriously good buy, is to put down a 0.025% deposit with a ten day cooling off period as soon as your offer has been accepted. Then use that ten days to organise the pest and building reports, confirm finance etc.   Worst case scenario, you lose your 0.025% deposit.