In the competitive realm of real estate, where multiple buyers vie for their dream homes, finding ways to stand out can make all the difference. One often-overlooked but potent strategy is crafting a heartfelt, personal home offer letter to the seller. This simple act can create a connection that goes beyond numbers and negotiations, potentially tipping the scales in your favor.
I have successfully snagged two homes away from other offers by writing well-crafted, genuine, and enthusiastic letters to the seller. I’ll share exactly what to put in a letter, if you’re considering writing one yourself.
Cautionary Call: Before Penning That Letter to a Seller, Know Your State Law
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability. When crafting a letter to a home seller, it’s crucial to avoid content that could inadvertently violate these principles. Expressing preferences related to any of the protected categories may inadvertently lead to unintentional discrimination.
To ensure compliance, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific fair housing laws in your state. State housing authorities, legal resources, or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website can provide comprehensive information on fair housing regulations applicable in your area. Understanding these laws helps maintain integrity in the home-buying process and ensures that every individual is treated fairly and equally
Ask your agent about the rules in your particular state.
Establishing a Genuine Connection
In the age of digital communication, the personal touch of a handwritten or thoughtfully typed letter holds a unique charm. Start your letter by expressing your genuine interest in the home.
First, share what drew you to the home, whether it’s the charming architecture, the beautiful garden, or the warm and inviting atmosphere. Make the seller feel that you see more than just a property; you see a potential future.
Infusing your words with specific details about the property can create a genuine connection and demonstrate your sincere interest. Highlighting distinctive features such as the intricate kitchen backsplash, the vibrant flowers adorning the backyard, the convenience of a first-floor bedroom, or the tasteful wallpaper and fine touches throughout the house adds a personal touch to your communication.
Mentioning these specifics not only showcases your attentiveness during the home tour but also signals to the seller that you envision a future in the details of their home. Be authentic in your descriptions, letting the seller see through your eyes the unique charm and appeal that has captured your heart.
This personal touch can set your letter apart, making it memorable and potentially strengthening your position as a serious and passionate contender for their cherished home.
We can’t believe how turn-key the home is. The attention to detail is impeccable, and the use of high-quality materials truly makes it stand out. We love the wallpaper used throughout the downstairs, the gorgeous hardwood floors, and the incredible primary closet. I am personally most excited about the kitchen! The upgrades and high-end appliances do not go unnoticed [the selling agent specifically mentioned the dishwasher when we toured the home, so I mentioned it].
Telling Your Story
Your personal letter is an opportunity to tell your story and explain why this house is more than just a purchase for you. Share details about your family, your aspirations, and the memories you hope to create in this space. This narrative not only makes you more memorable but also helps the seller envision someone genuinely appreciating and caring for the home.
This part of the letter should be brief. Additionally, you want to exclude any details that might violate the Fair Housing Act mentioned above.
Here’s an example of what I wrote to the seller of a home we just purchased:
A little about us: Ken works in management, likes to ride his Peloton [I noticed a Peloton bike when we toured the home], loves watching football, and hosting family and friends for his killer BBQ [the house had a built-in grill in the backyard and is built for parties]. Barbie is a work-from-home mom. She is a creative who loves to garden [backyard had a small vegetable garden] and go to concerts. Skipper is a busy high school student. She plays sports, is a budding entrepreneur [seller had an Etsy shop], and loves Harry Styles [the home had several musical elements that gave me the impression they liked music]. She is thrilled at the idea of having an en suite bathroom [feature of the home]. Finally, are our two energetic dogs will absolutely love the trails and dog park in town [feature of the specific city the home is located].
Related: How to make your home feel welcoming to guests
Highlighting Shared Values
Do some research on the current homeowners, if possible, to identify shared values or interests. Mentioning these in your letter can create a sense of connection and trust. For example, if you notice a love for gardening, share your own gardening experiences and express your excitement about continuing the legacy they’ve started.
And, the lemon tree in the backyard is so fun and I bet it is so fragrant when it blooms [this says that I’m not planning on replacing a tree I’m certain they chose carefully and planted].
On a previous property, I was located the seller’s public social media accounts where I gathered information about their family. I knew they had a recent high school graduate so I purposefully added details that might resonate with the owners.
We imagine our teenager and her friends having a blast with movie nights and sleepovers in the cozy bonus room upstairs, taking pre-dance photos in the beautiful backyard, and even having study sessions at the kitchen island. We see ourselves seamlessly fitting into the fabric of your home and creating cherished memories there.
Related: Tips on how to make your house the “fun house” for teenagers
Closing with Gratitude and Enthusiasm
End your letter by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be considered as the new owner of their home. Reinforce your enthusiasm and appreciation for the property, leaving a lasting positive impression. A sincere closing can leave a favorable impression on the seller, potentially making your offer more appealing.
Again, thank you for considering our offer. We hope to make as many wonderful memories at 123 Main Street as you have.
In conclusion, the art of letter writing in real estate is a powerful tool that can help you connect with a home seller on a personal level. By sharing your story and expressing genuine interest, you create a memorable and compelling case for why you are the perfect fit for their beloved home. In a competitive market, a personal touch can make all the difference and increase your chances of securing that dream home.
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