Why An Offer Letter Is A Good Idea

by Linda Martin 12/08/2019

If a seller is motivated and your offer is the only one that comes in on a home for sale, you may have an easy time getting the home of your dreams. If there are multiple offers on a property, it’s a different story. 


If there’s competition, it’s simple math that your odds in favor of you getting the home are reduced. You need something that will grab the seller’s attention. Writing an offer letter can be just what you need to sway the decision in your direction. Even if your offer is less than what other people have put on the table, an offer letter is a perfect way to get the attention of the seller.


What To Include


You may wonder what you should include in an offer letter. You’re charming the sellers in a way, but also giving them an opportunity to get to know you. If someone has lived in a home that they have loved for a long time, they’ll be happier knowing the next occupants will be just as happy living on the property.


What Do You Like About The Property?


You should include a lot of positive things involving the property and your ability to care for and maintain it. Tell the seller about the features you most love about the house. You should let the seller know that they hard work they have done over the years has paid off and you appreciate it. Do you like the skylights? Does a remodeled kitchen get your attention? Is the deck a great feature for you to entertain on? Let the seller know any and everything that enticed you to put an offer on the property in the first place. 


Share Some Of Your Life


You don’t have to get overly personal or mushy, but you should include a bit about yourself and why you chose this property among the many you have seen. Maybe you grew up in the neighborhood. Maybe the home is perfect for your expanding family. Whatever the reason is for you to want this particular house you need to let the seller know. 


In addition to personal details, you can include a pre-qualification letter, demonstrating your ability to afford the home. This helps sellers to feel comfortable with your financial background and continued upkeep of the property.  



What Not To Include


While your plans for a property may be grandiose in your mind, don’t tell a seller what you plan to do with the proeprty in your offer letter. It’s nice that you want to update the kitchen, or re-do the bathrooms. It’s an insult of sorts to the seller so just omit these items. Keep your offer letter positive and brief and you may be well on your way to securing the property of your dreams.       

About the Author
Author

Linda Martin

Licensed in 1980, real estate is my career! Living and working first in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County Virginia, we found our way to Warrenton in 1989 and have called it home ever since! Fauquier, Madison and Culpeper are gateways to all sorts of wonderful communities across the Virginia Piedmont-- old towns, country suburban neighborhoods, rural hideaways, farms and estates! Whether you are considering a move in the near future, or are just starting the thought process, I look forward to helping you, at your pace.