how to write a cover letter for a house offer

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Here are house offer letter samples to win a bidding war

3 examples to use as a reference point

Financial Foundations_01

Editor’s Note: Regulation around cover letters may vary by state. Be sure to check your local regulation to see if you’re allowed to use a cover letter.

With multiple offers pouring in on one house , house offer letters can be the determining factor in which buyer a seller chooses. And given today’s shortage of housing inventory, don’t take lightly the importance of writing up a genuine and heartfelt letter on why owning this home is important for your future. At the end of this article, we have three house offer letter samples.

Whether it’s the future house to raise your first child in or within a few miles of your parents, let the buyer know why this specific house is perfect for you.

Angela Bao, a realtor at ERA iRealty in Plano, Texas, recently outlined tips in a HousingWire blog on how buyers can win a bidding war against all-cash offers, pointing out the importance of a cover letter.

“When you have a seller who is attached to their property and interested in seeing it go to the right buyer, a personalized letter could be the strategic advantage that gets you a winning bid,” said Bao.

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“In many cases, cash offers are made by investors looking to either flip the home or convert it to a rental property. If you are a couple looking to raise a family in that home, stating that intention in the letter could appeal to the seller’s emotional side and close the deal in your favor,” said Bao.

Several years ago, HousingWire published an article titled , “Here’s a sample cover letter to help secure your client’s dream home.”

Even though the home offer letter sample in the article is still relevant, HousingWire asked Bao, along with a couple other Realtors, to send in more examples of cover letters.

Since bidding wars are still very common in the market, hopefully these examples can serve as a reference point on how to write your own.

The three examples are below. Click to enlarge the letter. 

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how to write a cover letter for a house offer

how to write a cover letter for a house offer

Buyer Guides

How to write a winning house offer letter (plus, a sample).

how to write a cover letter for a house offer

How do you make your offer stand out to sellers? A good, old-fashioned letter might do the trick. In competitive markets, it’s not uncommon for a house offer letter to be included in an offer on a house . We’ve broken down a sample offer letter and added some easy how-tos so you can write the strongest house offer letter you can—and make that house yours.

Here’s a sample offer letter, plus some tips:

1. make your opener as personal as possible..

Get out your pen, yes, a pen (you want your letter to be authentic in every way) and a piece of good stationery. Before you get started, think about your tone. A house offer letter should be friendly and heartfelt.

Think creatively about how you address the letter. If you don’t know the owner’s name, you can still make a connection with how you address them, like this start of this sample offer letter:

Dear owners of the sweet, yellow Cape Cod with so much charm,

2. Tell them about yourself.

Many sellers like the idea of passing their home on to people who will care for it. A house offer letter is your chance to show the real person behind your offer paperwork. There’s no better way to create a human connection than helping the seller visualize your life.

My name is Anna, and my husband Jeff and I have been trying to find a neighborhood for years, and have fallen in love with yours. We think it’s the perfect place to raise a family. We’re expecting our second child in November and are looking for a little more space.

3. Point out the home’s attributes.

If the seller has lived in their home for years, odds are, they take pride in it. Even if you think it’s a fixer-upper , talk about the things you love about the house. Because who doesn’t like a compliment? In this sample offer letter, the buyer chooses a few things to point out.

We love to cook and have family over. The kitchen has such great counter space—I can just picture it holding our big Sunday dinner buffet. And I love that you’ve got a refrigerator that doesn’t show fingerprints. That will be a big help with our toddler and her cousins who always seem to have sticky hands.

And, I enjoy gardening. Of course, the first thing we noticed was your beautiful peony bush. We could tell how carefully you’ve tended to every aspect of your home…

4. Find a connection.

When you were viewing the house, did you notice the photos on the wall of children playing lacrosse? The same style of eat-in kitchen as the home you grew up in? Make a connection by mentioning what you saw.

I couldn’t help but notice the photo on the fireplace mantle of a young man graduating from Cornell. My dad grew up in Ithaca and went to school there. We spent a lot of time on Cayuga Lake with my grandmother. Go Big Red!

5. Explain your bid, even if it’s low.

Now you can move from emotion to numbers, something concrete. Be honest, polite and respectful; you don’t want them to feel as though you’re making excuses for your bid, but use your house offer letter as a way to give your offer price some context.

Although your home was a bit out of our price range, we had to take a chance on an offer because it’s everything we want and is in a great neighborhood for our family . We know you’re asking X, but we respectfully ask if you would consider Y. It’s the top of our budget range, and our goal is to turn our dream into a reality without overextending ourselves.

I work as X, and my husband does Y. We have already have mortgage pre-approval and are flexible about the date for closing on the house . We so much want this to work out well for you, as well as for our family.

6. Close with lots of thanks.

This is your closing argument and your last chance to weave in some flattery. Thank them and let them know you’re hoping to hear back from them.

Thanks so much for your time and consideration. We would be honored to live in the house that you’ve made into a beautiful home. We look forward to hearing back from you.

Did it work? If this sample offer letter does its job, and you have an accepted offer, it’s time to turn your mortgage pre-approval into a full-on home loan. Here’s a guide on how to get a mortgage .

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An Agent Guide to Writing a Home Offer Letter (+ Templates)

An Agent Guide to Writing a Home Offer Letter (+ Templates)

Brittany Wrenn

Brittany is a licensed real estate agent in Illinois with over 12 years of experience in the industry. She uses her sales, marketing, and business development background to educate agents and help them find sustainable ways to build their businesses. See full bio

Gina Baker

  • What Is a Real Estate Home Offer Letter?
  • 6 Items to Include in the Home Offer Letter
  • What to Avoid in Your Offer Letter
  • How to Deliver the Letter to the Seller’s Agent
  • Home Offer Letter Templates
  • Bringing It All Together

Are you ready to become a master of the art of writing compelling home offer letters as a buyer’s real estate agent? It’s all about bringing the buyer’s offer to life, capturing the seller’s attention, and opening the door to negotiations. The goal is to find that perfect balance between sharing essential details about the offer and avoiding unnecessary personal information about the client. 

Snag our free home offer letter templates, learn what to include and avoid in your letter, and get the inside scoop on how to deliver it to sellers.

screenshot of real Estate Offer Letter Templates

What Is a Real Estate Home Offer Letter? 

A real estate home offer letter, sometimes called a cover letter, is a written document submitted by a real estate agent on behalf of a potential buyer. This letter accompanies the formal purchase offer, expressing the buyer’s interest in purchasing a specific property, and helps the seller visualize the offer terms. The letter should highlight particular terms or conditions that the buyer believes will make their offer more appealing to the seller.

The goal of the real estate home offer letter is to connect with the seller to set the buyer’s offer apart from others. This strategy is particularly useful in competitive real estate markets where sellers receive multiple offers on their property.

A written offer letter for the purchase of a property with information about the offer outlined in the letter.

Important Note: Don’t confuse a home offer letter with a buyer love letter. Offer letters, written by agents, focus on the technical details of the purchase. Love letters, written by buyers, express personal feelings about the property. See what the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) says about Buyer Love Letters .

Imagine you are the seller for a moment. You have multiple offers in front of you. Which offers will you look at more carefully: the offers accompanied by a clear, detailed home offer letter or those without one? I’ll let you answer that question yourself.

When competition is high, real estate agents seek ways to get their clients’ offers noticed. Now is the time to showcase your ability to deliver the offer clearly and concisely. Real estate offer letter templates vary, but make sure to include the following elements: 

  • Introduce yourself professionally
  • Provide details of the offer
  • Explain the contingencies
  • Flex the financials
  • Close the deal
  • Put a signature on it

1. Introduce Yourself Professionally

Open your letter with a professional greeting to the listing agent. Clearly state your role as the buyer’s agent, introducing the letter’s purpose as an offer submission. Keep it clear and to the point, directing the focus toward the property and the offer details. Ensure the cover letter is well-structured, free of grammatical errors, and written in a professional tone. Focus on the property and offer details to create a strong first impression.

[Listing Agent Name] [Real Estate Agency]

RE: Offer to Purchase – [Property Address]

Dear [Listing Agent Name ],

I am writing to submit an offer on behalf of my clients, [Buyer Name(s)] , to purchase the property located at [Property Address] .

Introduce the PartiesPersonalize the letter for the seller by introducing your buyers by name. Briefly describe the type of buyer. Are they a first-time home buyer, a buyer purchasing a second home for vacations, or an investor? Highlight any pertinent information that could strengthen the offer, such as their commitment to the property.
Address and Property DescriptionThis is as simple as providing the full property address. Optionally, add a short legal description of the property. It may include lot and block numbers, plat/map details, deed recording, or other unique identifying markers.

2. Provide Details of the Offer

Provide a comprehensive breakdown of the offer. Be transparent about the buyer’s financing situation, ensuring the listing agent and seller will understand all the terms of the offer and what makes your buyer stand out from the competition. You can choose between two different styles when presenting the offer details. You can write it out as a paragraph or list the details in a bulleted list.

PARAGRAPH VERSION

We are prepared to offer [offer amount] for the property with [earnest money amount] as an earnest money deposit. [Optional: earnest money calculation explanation.] We are making this purchase [describe the financing situation objectively, e.g., preapproved for a mortgage, able to make a cash offer] . An inspection period of [# days] is requested to conduct [list of inspections] . We [are/are not] flexible on the closing date. [Optional: provide reasoning.] This offer expires on [Date] at [Time] . [Optional: provide reason for the deadline.]

BULLETED VERSION

Purchase Price: $[Offer Price] Earnest Money Deposit: $[Earnest Money Deposit Amount] Financing: [Financing Type (e.g., Conventional Mortgage, Cash)] Inspection Period: [Number] days Contingencies: Briefly explain any contingencies tied to the offer Closing Date: [Proposed Closing Date] Offer Expiration: This offer expires at [Time] on [Date] .

[Briefly describe any justification for price, earnest money, inspection period, closing dates, or offer expirations.]

Purchase PriceState the purchase price the buyers are offering. If the proposed price is lower than the listing, explain the reasoning. Providing a , citing market trends or property condition factors contributing to the offer's valuation.
Earnest Money DepositExplain the earnest money in detail, specifying the amount and how it demonstrates the buyer's commitment to purchase the property. This could involve explaining the proportionate amount compared to the purchase price or any unique considerations in arriving at the final figure.
Financing TypeProvide details about the type of financing being pursued, whether it's a conventional mortgage, FHA loan, cash, or another option. This will help justify the closing timeline.
Inspection PeriodClarify the duration and purpose of the inspection period. If specific contingencies are tied to the inspection, explain how they protect the buyer's interests while respecting the seller's position.
ContingenciesAddress all types of contingencies in the offer, whether for inspections, appraisals, financing, or other reasons tied to the buyer’s situation.
Closing DateEnsure the proposed closing date aligns with the needs of both parties. If flexibility is an option, explain the reasoning, demonstrating the buyer's eagerness to accommodate a smooth and timely transaction. If the buyers cannot be flexible, simply state why.
Offer ExpirationWhen discussing the offer expiration, provide a reason for the timeline, whether it's influenced by market conditions or the buyer's specific circumstances.

3. Explain the Contingencies

Contingencies are conditions or stipulations included in the offer that, when met, allow the buyer to proceed with the purchase. Each contingency acts as a safeguard, offering the buyer protection and the opportunity to withdraw from the deal without penalties if certain conditions are not satisfied. 

After defining the contingency type, take this opportunity to showcase the buyer’s awareness of potential challenges and their willingness to work collaboratively with the seller to address them, leading to a smooth closing.

This offer is contingent upon [list contingencies objectively, e.g., sale of current home, satisfactory home inspection, mortgage approval] . We understand that contingencies can impact the timeline. [Buyer Name(s)] are highly motivated buyers and are committed to working diligently to meet all contingencies on time to ensure a smooth closing.

FinancingThe sale is subject to the buyer obtaining financing for the home by a specified date
AppraisalThe sale is subject to the home successfully appraising at the agreed-upon sales price for the purchase to proceed.
Home InspectionThe home must pass certain home inspections that meet the buyer’s standard for purchasing the home.
Sale of Primary ResidenceThe buyer has a home to sell before purchasing the new property.
InsuranceThe buyer must be able to obtain the necessary insurance on the property before closing.
TitleThe buyer has the right to perform a title search to ensure the transferability of the title before closing.

4. Flex the Financials

Transparency about the buyer’s financing situation is important, even if the offer is not the strongest. Clearly outline the buyer’s financial strength by providing a preapproval letter. If the offer is cash, submit redacted proof of funds to strengthen the offer further. If funds are limited, such as in the case of a first-time home buyer, clearly explain how the buyer has prepared for this purchase.

A buyer's mortgage loan pre-approval letter with the details of the loan.

Common types of financing include the following: 

  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
  • Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Conventional

5. Close the Deal

Wrap up the letter with a summary of the main points, reiterating the strengths of the offer. Assure the listing agent and seller about your and your buyer’s commitment to a seamless transaction. Encourage open communication between both parties and express your willingness to promptly address any questions or concerns. Finally, express gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to work together.

We believe our offer is strong and represents a serious buyer who is ready to close quickly. We are confident that [Buyer Name(s)] will take excellent care of this property. We are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working with you toward a successful closing.

6. Put a Signature on It

If possible, provide a signature line on the letter instead of typed text. This adds an element of personalization that helps the listing agent and seller view this purchase as more than just another transaction. Underneath your signature, provide the phone number and email address where you can be reached.

[Your Signature (Optional)]

[Your Printed Name] [Your Real Estate Agency] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

how to write a cover letter for a house offer

Pro Tip: Build trust with leads. Showcase expertise and highlight skills in real estate lead generation by sharing home offer letter templates and successful letters you’ve written in initial buyer consultations. Explain how your personalized approach can help buyers win an offer!

What to Avoid in Your Offer Letter 

When creating home purchase offer letter templates, it’s important to avoid certain details that could potentially harm yourself or your buyer. Here are some key things to steer clear of:

  • Overly personal information: While a degree of personalization is encouraged, avoid sharing excessive personal details about your client or yourself. Stick to information relevant to the transaction to maintain professionalism and comply with privacy norms and fair housing guidelines.
  • Ignoring the seller’s preferences: If the seller has provided specific instructions or preferences for offer submissions, make sure to adhere to them. Ignoring such guidelines could create a negative impression and potentially harm your offer’s chances of acceptance.
  • Making unrealistic promises: Avoid making promises you cannot keep or that are beyond your control. This may lead to disappointment and potentially harm your credibility.
  • Being too impersonal: While you should maintain professionalism, don’t make the letter overly formal. Find a balance between professionalism and a friendly, approachable tone to connect with the seller on a human level.
  • Neglecting legal and ethical considerations: Be mindful of fair housing laws and avoid any language or content that could be interpreted as discriminatory (words, phrases, or statements that stereotype specific individuals or groups based on their race, nationality, or protected class). Also, refrain from providing legal advice unless you are licensed to do so.

Once you have crafted your letter, it’s time to get the letter in the right hands. Send the home offer letter in a professional format, typically as an email attachment or a physical document, depending on the agent’s preference. Be aware of any deadlines set by the listing agent and seller to ensure you are delivering the letter and the offer in a timely manner. 

  • Personalize your email subject line: Write a professional subject line for your email, for example, “Offer Submission for [Property Address] – [Your Client’s Name].” This helps the listing agent identify the purpose of the email immediately.
  • Include a cover email: In your email, provide a brief introduction and a quick overview of the key terms of the offer. For example, highlight the purchase price and closing date of the offer.
  • Attach the offer letter: Clearly state that the offer letter is attached. Keep the email concise, encouraging the listing agent to review the attached document.
  • Confirm receipt: Request a confirmation of receipt from the listing agent. You can include a sentence like, “Please confirm receipt at your earliest convenience.”
  • Follow preferred communication channels: If the listing agent has a preferred mode of communication, such as email or an online platform, adhere to their preferences. 
  • Consider a follow-up call: If you haven’t received confirmation within a reasonable timeframe, consider making a follow-up call to ensure the offer has been received and inquire about the seller’s timeline for reviewing offers.
  • Respect timing: Be mindful of any specified deadlines or preferred submission times indicated by the listing agent. Timely delivery reflects professionalism and respect for the agent’s and seller’s time.
  • Maintain professionalism: Throughout the communication, maintain a professional and respectful tone. Avoid unnecessary urgency or pressure tactics, as these may have a negative impact on the negotiation process and your reputation.
  • Be responsive: Once the offer is submitted, be prepared to respond quickly to any inquiries or requests for additional information from the listing agent. 

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your offer letter is delivered in a professional and effective manner, increasing the likelihood of a positive response from the listing agent.

Real estate offer letters are necessary in today’s hot real estate market. They help buyers and agents craft strong overviews of an offer that grab sellers’ attention. These house purchase offer letter templates act as a roadmap, guiding you on how to professionally express your clients’ interest in a property.  

Using a well-written template ensures your offer is clear, persuasive, and follows industry best practices. You can tailor the home offer letter real estate templates below based on the specific property and your situation.

Template 1: Noncontingent Offer—Paragraph Version

The first example is a paragraph-style home offer letter template in which the sale is not subject to any contingencies. It has a traditional letter format and provides all the details of the proposed sale.

Dear [Listing Agent Name] ,

I am writing to submit an offer on behalf of my clients, [ Buyer Name(s)] , to purchase the property located at [Property Address] .

They are very interested in this home and believe it would be a perfect fit for their needs. We have been very impressed with [mention objective features of the property, e.g., the spacious layout, the well-maintained landscaping, the desirable neighborhood] . We believe this property would be a [describe your situation objectively, e.g., ideal location for our work commute] .

[Buyer Name(s)] are [Describe Buyer Type (e.g., first-time homebuyers, purchasing a vacation home)] . They are very excited about this property and are committed to a smooth and timely transaction.

We are prepared to offer [offer amount] for the property with [earnest money amount] as an earnest money deposit. [Optional: earnest money calculation explanation.] We are making this purchase [describe the financing situation objectively, e.g., preapproved for a mortgage, able to make a cash offer]. An inspection period of [# Days] is requested to conduct [List inspections] . We [are/are not] flexible on the closing date. [Optional: provide reasoning.] This offer expires on [Date] at [Time] . [Optional: provide reason for the deadline.]

We believe our offer is strong and represents a serious buyer who is ready to close quickly. We are confident that [Buyer Name(s)] will take excellent care of this property. We are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working with you towards a successful closing.

Template 2: Contingent—Paragraph Version

This example is a paragraph-style template in which the sale is subject to certain contingencies. It is still in a traditional letter format but adds the details of the contingency. Here you will add details about financing, appraisal, sale of prior home, or any other situation that needs to be completed for a successful sale. Remember to be specific and transparent.

We are prepared to offer [offer amount] for the property with [earnest money amount] as an earnest money deposit. [Optional: earnest money calculation explanation.] We are making this purchase [describe the financing situation objectively, e.g., preapproved for a mortgage, able to make a cash offer] . An inspection period of [# Days] is requested to conduct [List inspections] . We [are/are not] flexible on the closing date. [Optional: provide reasoning.] This offer expires on [Date] at [Time] . [Optional: provide reason for the deadline.]

This offer is contingent upon [list contingencies objectively, e.g., sale of current home, satisfactory home inspection, mortgage approval] . We understand that contingencies can impact the timeline. [Buyer Name(s)] are highly motivated buyers and are committed to working diligently to meet all contingencies in a timely manner to ensure a smooth closing. We are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working with you towards a successful closing.

Template 3: Bulleted Style—Noncontingent

This bulleted example for a house offer letter template provides the same level of detail as the paragraph version. The layout is a bit more straightforward and easier to read. There is no correct answer for which template you use. Choose the template that best fits your writing style.

They are very interested in this home and believe it would be a perfect fit for their needs. We have been very impressed with [mention objective features of the property, e.g., the spacious layout, the well-maintained landscaping, the desirable neighborhood]. We believe this property would be a [describe your situation objectively, e.g., ideal location for our work commute] .

Purchase Price: $ [Offer Price] Earnest Money Deposit: $ [Earnest Money Deposit Amount]  Financing: [Financing Type (e.g., Conventional Mortgage, Cash)] Inspection Period: [Number] days Contingencies: [Briefly explain any contingencies tied to the offer] Closing Date: [Proposed Closing Date] Offer Expiration: This offer expires at [Time] on [Date] .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth it to write a cover letter for a home offer.

The short answer is yes! Writing a home offer letter ensures a seller clearly understands the terms of a buyer’s offer. While a home offer letter is not a formal requirement and may not impact the seller’s decision in all cases, it can add a personal touch and help your client’s offer stand out, especially if multiple offers are on the table . Ultimately, whether or not you use an offer letter for a house template depends on the local real estate trends, the seller’s preferences, and your familiarity with this process.

How do you write a counter-offer letter for a house?

Following the same process as for writing a home offer letter, you will update the terms originally provided with the countered terms. You can leave out any duplicate information and get straight to the point. The original cover letter to purchase the property has all the details of the initial offer. You will want to highlight any changes being made to the original terms in your counter-offer letter.

What are the guidelines surrounding real estate offer letters and fair housing?

When creating an offer letter for a real estate template that you’ll use moving forward, it’s important to stay in compliance with fair housing laws to avoid unintentional violations. These laws are in place to prevent discrimination in housing transactions based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.

Here are some tips for staying compliant with fair housing laws in a home offer letter:

  • Focus on highlighting your buyer’s financial qualifications, such as mortgage pre approval and financing capabilities, without delving into personal characteristics associated with protected classes.
  • Stick to factual information about your buyer’s readiness to buy the property, the offer terms, and relevant timelines.
  • Use neutral language, avoiding expressions that could be construed as discriminatory or biased.
  • Emphasize your buyer’s appreciation for the property itself rather than the personal attributes of current owners or neighbors.
  • If you’re uncertain, seek guidance from real estate professionals or legal experts to ensure your cover letter does not violate any fair housing laws. These laws apply to every individual, not just those in the real estate industry.

A strong real estate home offer letter isn’t just part of an agent’s job—it’s a secret weapon in competitive markets. Mastering this skill is one way you can set yourself apart from other agents. By focusing on details, being transparent, and adding a personal touch, you’ll show sellers you’re serious about making your client’s dream home a reality. Do you use an offer letter in your business?

how to write a cover letter for a house offer

Brittany is a licensed real estate agent in Illinois with over 12 years of experience in the industry. She uses her sales, marketing, and business development background to educate agents and help them find sustainable ways to build their businesses.

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How to Write an Offer to Purchase Letter

( Getty Images )

How to Write an Offer to Purchase Letter

Homebuyers trying to stand out from a crowd of offers in today’s competitive market are often told to write an offer to purchase letter to accompany their offer. Buyers who are financing a home, or have a smaller down payment, often have trouble competing with all-cash buyers. Appealing to the seller as a person, as opposed to a contract, can sometimes give a buyer an emotional edge.

What isn’t often explained to buyers is how exactly to write that offer to purchase letter. The best ideas are often squandered by poor execution. Here is a quick guide to framing the offer to purchase letter and leveraging your best attributes by thinking from the seller’s point of view.

1. Flatter first

Your offer to purchase letter is an emotional pitch. You’re attempting to tell the seller, “I’m such a good person that you should ignore the numbers.” They need to like you. Tell the seller how great their taste in color is, how much you’d love to have their lifestyle, and what an amazing neon bottle cap exhibit they have over the fireplace. Lay it on thick, but keep it sincere. You’re selling, but you don’t want them to feel like they’re being sold a used car.

If you need some help, ask your agent for tips (here’s how to find a real estate agent in your area),

2. Get to the point

You may have 10 great ideas that you’d like to tell the seller.  They will only remember two. The seller may have 10 other offer to purchase letters to read. If you mix in your best points with your lesser points, they may all just become a jumble.

Pick two or three reasons why you will be the best buyer for this home, and make them distinctly recognizable. The more streamlined you make your message, the more memorable it will be.

3. Paint a picture

People remember what they’ve read at a far higher rate when they can see a picture of it in their head. “I really love this neighborhood because I’ve lived here and gone to school here,” doesn’t resonate.

On the other hand, “I spend half of my time walking the cobblestone streets around this block, dropping my daughter off at Gilman School and volunteering at Schnitzelfest every summer,” will trigger a visual memory for a seller.  Think “I’d be so happy in the summer to be cooking Neapolitan pizza for friends and neighbors in your outdoor wood-fired oven”.

4. Don’t remodel the house

Planning on adding a second story or changing the landscaping? Don’t mention it. You might be correct that the seller’s sewing room would make a great workout room for you, but this isn’t the time.

If you’re going to expand to create more bedrooms, you might be changing the seller’s favorite eyebrow windows in the roofline. They may have buried their dog under the tree you’re planning to pave over.  he sellers may have awful taste, but homeowners are very protective of their homes.

5. Show stability

Present yourself as a stable buyer who will have no problem closing the purchase.  Whether that is a reference to your lack of contingencies, stellar employment record, or commitment to moving in as soon as the sellers are comfortable, ease the sellers’ fears of a shaky transaction.

6. Show humility

At the same time, be humble and ask for the sellers’ blessing on your offer. “We would be so honored to live in your home,” goes much further than “We are confident that you will accept our generous offer.” The ball is in their court, and your offer to purchase letter should acknowledge that.

7. Don’t whine

The emotion of your offer to purchase letter must be upbeat and high. It needs to make the seller feel good.  Everyone wants to play with a winner. The seller doesn’t care how many other homes you’ve lost out on. They don’t care that your rent just doubled.  They don’t want to know about your wife’s sad condition that requires you to have a home like this. They just feel uncomfortable now.  In fact, they’re already tossing your offer in the round file as they finish this paragraph.

8. Close your offer to purchase letter with clarity

Remember the five-point paragraphs and five-paragraph themes you had to write in school? While those formulas are too long and rigid for this letter, their closing advice should be noted. Your excitement, motivation, and ability should be reiterated at the end of your offer to purchase letter in a quick recap.

Remember that the sellers could be reading a few letters. Make sure that the closing of your letter reminds them of your best qualities and reinforces them.

9. Sign with appreciation

The feeling your sellers will leave with can live or die on the signature line:  “Sincerely”, “Cordially”, “Best Regards”, and “Yours Truly” do not apply. This is not a business correspondence of equals. Thank the sellers for spending their valuable evening reading the ode that you wrote about your unworthy self.

“Thank you so much for your time,”  “Thank you for the opportunity,” “Your consideration is greatly appreciated,” or even “We are honored to have the opportunity,” will leave the seller understanding that you value their time and are grateful for it.

10. Spell check. Grammar check. Buddy check. Do it again.

As the recovering son of a former Catholic school English teacher, there is a dark secret I’d like to let you in on. We’re prejudiced. We look down on people who aren’t like us. There is a heinous belief ingrained in us from birth that says people who misspell and use incorrect grammar are lesser beings and not worthy of our respect.

Truthfully, though, there is an unbelievable amount of weight that some sellers will put on the preciseness of the letter. Right or wrong, the buyer’s personality will be judged from their attention to detail, ability to follow-through, and level of care in the letter. Buyer reliability is often gleaned from how well the rules of grammar are followed. If grammar isn’t your thing, find someone whose thing it is.  You never know:  the house you want to buy just might belong to my mother.

11. Write the letter, check it twice, and send it off

There are many tactics being used by home buyers to stand out from the crowd.  While not all sellers will read them, personalized offer to purchase letters are the most-accepted and popular form of unique buyer strategies available. Don’t rush the letter. Take the time to write it correctly. It just might be the most valuable single page of text you ever write.

Sam DeBord is a Realtor® and Managing Broker at Coldwell Banker Danforth & Associates. Find him on SeattleHome.com.

Sam DeBord is CEO of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO). He has served as President's Liaison for MLS and Data Management with the National Association of REALTORS®, managing broker for Coldwell Banker Danforth, and as a director for NAR.

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