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Congratulations, you've found the home of your dreams! Before you submit an offer, you may want to include one thing to set you apart from the competition — a letter to the seller.
In a competitive market, your offer may be one of many. When you write a letter to the seller, it's your chance to connect on a more personal level. You can help them see you as a real person — beyond dollars and cents — who would take care of the property and make their soon-to-be old house your new home.
If you decide to write a letter, consider including these important points:
- Introduce yourself. Are you single and looking for your first home? Or a family of four that needs room to grow? Buying and selling a home can be an emotional transaction, so give the seller a clearer picture of who you are and that their home will be in good hands.
- Say why you love the home. Did you feel "at home" when you first stepped through the doors? Can you picture your kids playing in the backyard? Or is the kitchen everything you've ever dreamed of? Share which features you love the most — they might be the seller's favorites too. Leave out any plans to remodel; you don't want to plant the seed that you're tearing down something of sentimental value to the seller.
- Reassure the seller that you will get to closing. Tell the seller you will have no problem closing the purchase. Share that you've done your homework and are prepared to take this important step — you're prequalified, your financial house is in order, and you have a solid employment record. It's information that can help ease any fears that the deal won't go through.
Talk to your real estate agent about the best way to include the letter in your offer.
Follow this series just in time for the spring homebuying season.
