Should You Write a Personal Letter to Sellers?

Imagine this scenario: You've found your dream home and you're ready to make an offer. However, you know you're not the only one interested in the property, and you're looking for ways to stand out from the competition. You may have heard of the strategy of writing a letter to the seller to express your appreciation for their home and how it would be perfect for your family. But is this tactic effective? Let's weigh the pros and cons of writing a personal letter to the seller and give you some tips on how to do it properly.  

Remember, buying and selling a home is an emotional process, so it's important to handle it with care.  

PROS OF WRITING A PERSONAL LETTER TO SELLERS: 

It Tugs at the Heartstrings 

Selling a home can be a highly emotional experience, much like buying one. There are many reasons why someone may choose to sell their home, such as relocating for work, outgrowing the space, or other personal circumstances. Moving is a significant change that can be difficult for many people. Homeowners often have fond memories of their property and may have put a lot of effort into making it a comfortable and beautiful place to live. They want to ensure that their home is appreciated by its new owners. A heartfelt letter can help establish a connection between the seller and the buyer. 

It May Help Your Offer Stand Out 

Including a personal letter to sellers can make your offer stand out and capture their attention. People often appreciate compliments and recognition for their hard work, so highlighting the wonderful aspects of their home can leave a lasting impression. By attaching a name or voice to your offer, it may increase the chances of you being remembered as they review other offers. 

Addresses Any Concerns 

When making an offer to purchase a home, it's important to consider any concerns the seller may have that may not be addressed in the agreement. For instance, if you observe that the home has been recently renovated, you can ease their worries by assuring them that you will make good use of their efforts. 

CONS OF WRITING A PERSONAL LETTER TO SELLERS:  

It May Limit Your Negotiation Power 

When negotiating something as huge as a home, you need to be careful about putting yourself in a position that loses your advantage, and writing a letter that is too emotional or desperate can be taken advantage of depending on the sellers you are dealing with. Revealing too much information may put you in a difficult situation down the line.   

It May Make the Sellers Uncomfortable 

Some personal letters can contain too much information or may even include something the sellers dislike or find offensive. People come from different backgrounds, and getting too personal can give the sellers a reason to be turned off by your offer completely.  

A Letter Cannot Replace a Low Offer 

When there are multiple offers, a personal letter may not be enough to convince the seller to choose your offer, especially if it is significantly lower than the asking price or has many conditions. Your offer needs to be strong enough to be considered even without the letter. Keep in mind that the seller may have different financial goals that don't align with your offer, so it's important to understand their perspective. 

TIPS FOR WRITING A PERSONAL LETTER TO SELLERS 

Keep it Short 

Although it may seem harsh, it is best to avoid writing a long, detailed letter about your entire life story when selling a home. Instead, make it concise by limiting it to a few paragraphs or half a page. This approach shows that you respect the time of the reader, and it can help reduce the stress and time involved in the home-selling process. 

Focus on Their Home 

When writing about the home, think about the specific details that caught your attention during your in-person visit. For instance, if you adore the backyard and envision yourself enjoying coffee on the deck while your kids play on the grass, mention it. If you've always wanted a cozy reading nook by the west window of the principal bedroom to watch the sunset, share that too. This shows the seller that you're not simply looking for any home, but that their home is the perfect fit for you. 

Find Ways to Connect with the Sellers 

Going above and beyond to create additional connections with the sellers will make your offer stand out. Think about any possible clues about their hobbies and interests from your viewing that you can weave into how you plan to enjoy the home. For example, if every flat surface has a thriving houseplant, tell them about your green thumb and how you love the natural lighting in their home. Spot a dog leash dangling off a hook by the front door - tell them about your own furry friend loving their backyard. If the secondary room has a set of kids' bunk beds, compliment the home's layout for growing families and tell them how much your kids will love the rec room in the basement. Be genuine in your letter because people can spot insincerity from a mile away. Chances are, these are little connections you have made in the home that led you to want to put in the offer in the first place! 

WORK WITH NEGOTIATION EXPERTS 

Consult with your Realtor^® to decide if writing a personal letter to the seller is appropriate. They can gather information about the property and sellers and offer advice on the best approach. 

When you work with Faris Team, you are choosing to work with Professional, Loving, Local Realtors^® who are ready to go full out^® to help you purchase your dream home. Our Realtors^® are negotiation experts who can help you navigate the offer process so you can have the Best Real Estate Experience. We love delivering our clients an experience that will WOW them and go above and beyond to get them the homes they deserve.  

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