Make It Personal: How To Construct An Offer Letter
The competition for homes in good locations remains strong. As a buyer, it can be tough to have your offers rejected time after time. Have you considered an offer letter? Personal letters to sellers might help make your offer stand out from the crowd.
Let Them Know About You
Begin your letter by introducing yourself and your family. Forming a personal connection with your letter could gain you some interest. After all, sellers are often reluctant to sell and move on. Things can feel bittersweet for a seller, and they may like the idea of knowing more about the family that will carry on with being happy in their home. Consider a photo of your family if you like.
Focus on the Home
Buyers love homes that speak to them in some way. Let the seller know what attracted you to the home. Mention specific features of the home in your letter that you love. For instance, let the seller know how much you've always dreamed of a home with a screened-in porch, a big open living area, and so on.
What Makes You Unique
Ask yourself what made you search for a home in the neighborhood. If school quality is important, mention that to the seller. If your place of employment, place of worship, daycare center, or favorite grocery store is in the area, mention that to the seller. The seller will understand why you want to live in their neighborhood. Also, mention any hobbies or activities that will make your letter memorable.
Dollar and Cents
Sellers look forward to selling experiences that are smooth and quick. This is a good place to mention financing arrangements. If you don't already have a mortgage loan pre-approval, strongly consider taking care of that before you send your offer letter. Pre-approvals signal the seller that you are not just browsing around — you are serious about buying a home and have the financial ability to do so.
Make an Offer
You cannot make a legal offer to buy a home with a letter, at least in most states. However, you can mention your willingness to make a formal offer through a real estate agent that the seller will find attractive. You can let them know that you are willing to pay a certain amount for the home and the reason why. Whatever you do, however, don't undo the effect of your letter by insulting the home with your offer. In a competitive environment, consider offering more than the asking price. It's common practice to do so and it could pay off for you.
To find out more about homes for sale, speak to a real estate agent in your area.