Part of your home purchase application will include a letter to the homeowner. With all the house hunting, pricing, and plans for renovations and moving, it can be easy to forget this aspect of the buying process.

 

The truth is, however, that this piece of information is going to help the seller decide who to offer the home to. And even if you offer a great price, it doesn’t mean you lock down the home if the seller chooses someone else, they’d rather grant the home to.

 

Here, we’ll cover what it means to write an offer letter for a home.

 

 

Write an Actual Letter

When we say “write a letter” we mean it. If you don’t know how to write a letter, then research on standard letter formats. Generally, letters include:

  • A letterhead that contains your name and contact information,
  • A salutation “Dear Homeowner,”
  • The body of the letter, and
  • A valediction, or closing (“Sincerely, HomeBuyer”).

 

The body of the mail should have short paragraphs that are easy to read, with the first paragraph introducing you and what your letter is about. The closing paragraph should conclude the entire letter. Make sure that you address them by name in the salutation and use your full name in the valediction.

If you can, print out the letter and sign it by hand above your typed name in the valediction. That way, you can either mail the letter physically or scan and email it with the signature intact, making it more personal and carefully constructed.

 

 

Stay Friendly

Your letter should always be friendly. Greet the homeowner like a colleague or friend. Always thank them for their time and attention without being overbearing. Remember that you are trying to get them to sell, and as such present yourself as a good person.

 

Better yet, present yourself as someone that they would want in the house. Supportive, caring, friendly. Someone who could be a good neighbor and who they can trust while negotiating prices.

 

 

how to write an offer letter

 

 

Express Your Interest Professionally and Seriously…

Remember when we said don’t be overbearing? We meant it. Laying it on too thick can turn a buyer off. So, when it comes to the business of making an offer for the house, make sure that your tone and the content of your message is focused on sealing the deal. Make sure that they know exactly what you want out of the house, including:

  • what price you are asking for
  • What you like about the home from a financial/logistical standpoint,
  • Your references, and
  • that you are serious about negotiating a price that both parties can agree on.

 

 

…But Appeal to Their Emotions

Don’t be too stodgy, however. People don’t often remember business acquaintances in the same way they do friends or just people they don’t like. If you can make an impact with the homeowner that makes you stand out from the pack.

 

Make sure that is a positive impact, however, by appealing to positive emotions:

Buyers who articulate their reasons for wanting a home, like having a family to raise or wanting to have a “forever home” to retire in, are more likely to land the interest of a seller.

 

 

Be Concise

Don’t beat your homeowner over the head with your story and interest. Keep the letter to a page, with short paragraphs and sentences that are easy to read. Remember that they are going to want to read something and get the gist easily. They don’t want to read a novel.

 

Make it easy for them and keep it short.