After finding a real estate agent and throwing yourself into your housing search—familiarizing yourself with different neighborhoods and working out a budget to decide what home you could afford—you’ve finally found your dream home. Unfortunately, the asking price is a little out of reach. Don’t let that deter you. Try accompanying your offer with a personal letter to the seller. Here are some helpful tips to remember when it comes to creating a letter that not only comes from your heart and connects with the seller, but also expresses a sincere sense of excitement for owning the home.
Begin with an appropriate salutation
Use “Hello” or “Greetings,” and always try to include the seller’s name, if possible. Being polite and respectful can set the tone for a friendly start.
Keep it short and sweet
Your letter should be no longer than three-four paragraphs long. If it’s too lengthy, you can lose the seller’s interest. Begin with an introductory paragraph and end with a paragraph summary to leave the seller with a great lasting impression of who could be living in their home.
Use good grammar
A letter that is grammatically correct will capture the reader’s attention—just as a bad one can kill a deal by irritating the seller. Use complete sentences and try to avoid slang or inappropriate terms.
Express your strengths
Place yourself in a good light. Consider the features or characteristics make you stand out as a “special” person. Are you community-minded? Do you volunteer your time to a charity? However, always remember to be genuine and humble.
Add plenty of personality
Express your true inner feelings, emotions, and excitement. Your sincerity and authenticity will shine through.
Tell the seller why you love the home and neighborhood
Select your favorite place in the home and explain why you appreciate it so much. Buyers also often choose a home based on the surrounding neighborhood, so expressing what you enjoy about the neighborhood in a few words is another good way to connect with the seller.
Build a strong connection
Emphasizing commonalities will enable the sellers to see a little of themselves in your family. When touring the home, be sure to notice any shared interests—schools, sports, etc.—and then use those interests to connect with them.
Tout your financial stability
A solid career or a young and up-and-coming professional with a bright and promising future should help catch the seller’s eye. Also, don’t forget to include a pre-qualification letter with your package.
Envision yourself in the home
This is an excellent element for the closing paragraph. For example, if you’re a young couple, tell them how excited you are to raise your family there and to spend many years sharing good times and making memories.
Say thank you
Don’t forget to show the seller how grateful you are for the opportunity to possibly own their home.
Last…but not least
Never mention offers you have lost, and try not to appear too desperate or pushy.