cover letter with house offer

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Here are house offer letter samples to win a bidding war

3 examples to use as a reference point

Editor’s Note: Regulation around cover letters may vary by state. Be sure to check your local regulation to see if you’re allowed to use a cover letter.

With multiple offers pouring in on one house , house offer letters can be the determining factor in which buyer a seller chooses. And given today’s shortage of housing inventory, don’t take lightly the importance of writing up a genuine and heartfelt letter on why owning this home is important for your future. At the end of this article, we have three house offer letter samples.

Whether it’s the future house to raise your first child in or within a few miles of your parents, let the buyer know why this specific house is perfect for you.

Angela Bao, a realtor at ERA iRealty in Plano, Texas, recently outlined tips in a HousingWire blog on how buyers can win a bidding war against all-cash offers, pointing out the importance of a cover letter.

“When you have a seller who is attached to their property and interested in seeing it go to the right buyer, a personalized letter could be the strategic advantage that gets you a winning bid,” said Bao.

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“In many cases, cash offers are made by investors looking to either flip the home or convert it to a rental property. If you are a couple looking to raise a family in that home, stating that intention in the letter could appeal to the seller’s emotional side and close the deal in your favor,” said Bao.

Several years ago, HousingWire published an article titled , “Here’s a sample cover letter to help secure your client’s dream home.”

Even though the home offer letter sample in the article is still relevant, HousingWire asked Bao, along with a couple other Realtors, to send in more examples of cover letters.

Since bidding wars are still very common in the market, hopefully these examples can serve as a reference point on how to write your own.

The three examples are below. Click to enlarge the letter. 

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How to write a winning house offer letter (plus, a sample).

How do you make your offer stand out to sellers? A good, old-fashioned letter might do the trick. In competitive markets, it’s not uncommon for a house offer letter to be included in an offer on a house . We’ve broken down a sample offer letter and added some easy how-tos so you can write the strongest house offer letter you can—and make that house yours.

Here’s a sample offer letter, plus some tips:

1. make your opener as personal as possible..

Get out your pen, yes, a pen (you want your letter to be authentic in every way) and a piece of good stationery. Before you get started, think about your tone. A house offer letter should be friendly and heartfelt.

Think creatively about how you address the letter. If you don’t know the owner’s name, you can still make a connection with how you address them, like this start of this sample offer letter:

Dear owners of the sweet, yellow Cape Cod with so much charm,

2. Tell them about yourself.

Many sellers like the idea of passing their home on to people who will care for it. A house offer letter is your chance to show the real person behind your offer paperwork. There’s no better way to create a human connection than helping the seller visualize your life.

My name is Anna, and my husband Jeff and I have been trying to find a neighborhood for years, and have fallen in love with yours. We think it’s the perfect place to raise a family. We’re expecting our second child in November and are looking for a little more space.

3. Point out the home’s attributes.

If the seller has lived in their home for years, odds are, they take pride in it. Even if you think it’s a fixer-upper , talk about the things you love about the house. Because who doesn’t like a compliment? In this sample offer letter, the buyer chooses a few things to point out.

We love to cook and have family over. The kitchen has such great counter space—I can just picture it holding our big Sunday dinner buffet. And I love that you’ve got a refrigerator that doesn’t show fingerprints. That will be a big help with our toddler and her cousins who always seem to have sticky hands.

And, I enjoy gardening. Of course, the first thing we noticed was your beautiful peony bush. We could tell how carefully you’ve tended to every aspect of your home…

4. Find a connection.

When you were viewing the house, did you notice the photos on the wall of children playing lacrosse? The same style of eat-in kitchen as the home you grew up in? Make a connection by mentioning what you saw.

I couldn’t help but notice the photo on the fireplace mantle of a young man graduating from Cornell. My dad grew up in Ithaca and went to school there. We spent a lot of time on Cayuga Lake with my grandmother. Go Big Red!

5. Explain your bid, even if it’s low.

Now you can move from emotion to numbers, something concrete. Be honest, polite and respectful; you don’t want them to feel as though you’re making excuses for your bid, but use your house offer letter as a way to give your offer price some context.

Although your home was a bit out of our price range, we had to take a chance on an offer because it’s everything we want and is in a great neighborhood for our family . We know you’re asking X, but we respectfully ask if you would consider Y. It’s the top of our budget range, and our goal is to turn our dream into a reality without overextending ourselves.

I work as X, and my husband does Y. We have already have mortgage pre-approval and are flexible about the date for closing on the house . We so much want this to work out well for you, as well as for our family.

6. Close with lots of thanks.

This is your closing argument and your last chance to weave in some flattery. Thank them and let them know you’re hoping to hear back from them.

Thanks so much for your time and consideration. We would be honored to live in the house that you’ve made into a beautiful home. We look forward to hearing back from you.

Did it work? If this sample offer letter does its job, and you have an accepted offer, it’s time to turn your mortgage pre-approval into a full-on home loan. Here’s a guide on how to get a mortgage .

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How to Write a House Offer Letter (With Examples)

A good house offer letter may help sway a seller to accept your home purchase bid.

How to Write a House Offer Letter

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Potential buyers should make sure an offer letter clearly states their intent to purchase a home.

First impressions are everything. Whether you’re buying a home , an apartment or some other type of property, presenting your initial offer in a positive light paves the way for a productive negotiation process and smooth transaction.

Typically, formal offers are sent by the buyer’s broker to the seller’s broker in writing via email. In some cases, a buyer will also write a personal note to the seller to send along with it. That letter is known as a house offer letter.

In this case, the buyer’s broker will often include a short profile about the buyers and express their love for the property, and keep it brief enough so the buyers' personal letter remains impactful and is not redundant.

If the buyer is not working with a real estate agent and does not have representation, the offer would come directly from the buyer. Represented buyers can also write their own offer letter and have their agent submit it for them.

So, if you truly love a home or want to buy an investment property , how do you write the perfect offer letter that combines your personal touch with a formal purchase offer?

Keep it simple, and focus on three things: State your intentions, show that you have the financial means to make the purchase and make a personal appeal to the seller.

Here's how to write a great house offer letter:

• Start with the details .
• Show you're serious .
• Introduce yourself .
• Flatter the home seller .
• Keep the letter short .
• Go the extra mile .
• Examples of house offer letters.

Start With the Details

At the beginning of your offer letter, express your appreciation for having the opportunity to visit the property, and state your terms upfront.

Next, include information about how you plan to pay for the purchase (all cash offer or financing), your requests for contingencies ( financing contingency and inspection contingency, for example), your desired closing time frame and any other special conditions. If you’re financing the purchase, a preapproval letter from your bank should be provided along with the offer letter.

Show You're Serious

It is important to make it clear that you’re a serious buyer and you're prepared to sign a contract upon completion of the due diligence process. You should also be in touch with a real estate attorney to help with the transaction, especially if you are not represented by a real estate agent .

If you’re making an offer that’s substantially lower than the seller’s asking price, you might consider including your reasoning for the low offer. To help build your case, consider contextualizing current market conditions and recent sales of comparable properties in the same neighborhood or building to put things into perspective.

If the property is older or in need of repairs and renovations , outlining what specific updates need to be done and the approximate renovation costs can also help justify your offer.

Introduce Yourself

Presenting yourself as a human being, rather than a simple dollar amount, is key to establishing a successful negotiation position. Provide the sellers with a brief personal background and tell them about your spouse or family, if applicable.

Include career details, such as your current job and a description of your professional industry, as well as a quick summary of your career path leading up to your current position. This could also include where you grew up and which schools you’ve attended. You can even tell them about any pets you have.

Now, you’re a person with a story – you’ve painted a picture about who you are, which is harder for a seller to ignore. The seller will think of you as a human being, not just another buyer who offered a certain price for the property.

Flatter the Home Seller

Once you’ve shared a bit about who you are, shift your focus to romancing the seller when it comes to his or her home. Flatter the seller by highlighting all the things you love about the house or apartment, and explaining why it is the place you want to call home. Be enthusiastic, but don’t go overboard.

While a real estate negotiation is a business transaction, if the sellers identify with you on a personal level, they can develop an affinity toward you – particularly in a competitive bidding situation – which may mean that they offer some flexibility during a negotiation. The sellers can feel pleased that they are passing their home on to someone who will love and appreciate it as much as they have.

It's happened before where a buyer submitted an offer on an apartment that eventually ended up in a bidding war. All of the potential buyers were asked to submit their best and final offer, and at the end of the process, the seller decided to move forward with the one who had presented an offer and had a financial situation that was nearly identical to another buyer.

So, what made the difference? The seller was swayed by the fact that he and the buyer had attended the same school. Sometimes it’s something small, like that, that ends up closing a deal.

Keep the Letter Short

Keep the house offer letter short and sweet. It’s important to include just enough information and flatter the seller the right amount without overdoing it, since the latter can also have the opposite effect and turn off a seller.

In terms of recommended length, anything between one and three paragraphs is ideal but do not exceed one page, typed (font size 11-12).

Go the Extra Mile

In a competitive bidding situation , buyers can send flowers or cookies to the seller, along with a handwritten note. A small gesture like this indicates your thoughtfulness and authentic love for the property. Just be sure to keep it simple and tasteful, as you never want a seller to feel uncomfortable by being overly aggressive.

In the end, the important thing to remember is that you want to make sure your offer letter clearly states your intent to purchase a home, that you are in a sound financial position to make the purchase and that you’re providing a personal appeal to the sellers so they know their home will be in caring and responsible hands.

House Offer Letter Examples

If you're wondering where to start, check out these two house offer letter examples.

House Offer Letter Example One: Formal and Professional

Dear Seller,

Thank you for allowing me to visit [ADDRESS]. I love [ADDRESS] and I’m eager to make it my new home. I’m pleased to present my offer of [OFFER PRICE]. I am prepared to sign a contract right away upon completion of due diligence and close [DESIRED CLOSING TIME FRAME – typically you want to appear to be as flexible as possible so you might say that you can close at the seller’s convenience].

To tell you a little bit about myself, [INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF]. You can include where you grew up, what you do for work, how long you’ve been with your company and the same information about your immediate family (spouse, children, etc.

From the moment I stepped foot in your home, I immediately knew it was a place I could envision myself living for many years to come. xplain Why that is and how the home suits your lifestyle needs.

I plan to [PAY CASH OR FINANCE THE PURCHASE.] Explain how you will structure the financials of the purchase. If you plan to pay cash, include proof of funds, and if you plan to take out a mortgage, provide a copy of your preapproval letter from the bank.

House Offer Letter Example Two: Informal, With an Appeal to Emotions

From a real buyer:

We are [NAMES]. We are [longtime New Yorkers] who raised our children in [PLACE]. We met in college at [SCHOOL] University and have been married for 40 years. We moved to [Los Angeles] almost X years ago when [NAME] became a partner at [COMPANY] firm. After 30 years at [COMPANY] firm, [NAME] has decided to retire so we can focus on our next chapter. For [NAME], part of the next chapter is to pursue [PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL] opportunities here in New York City.

We’re super excited to return to NYC, the city we love, full time! We have been renting in the neighborhood for the past two years. We truly love the area and can’t wait to make it our full-time home!

From the moment we stepped into the apartment, we knew it was a place where we can enjoy this next phase of our lives and have space for our children and friends from the West Coast to visit. We love the open format of the living spaces in the apartment and the amenities in the building, including the private wine lockers (which we will put to very good use with our collection of California wines!).

We plan to pay cash for the purchase (please see enclosed proof of funds) and we can close at your convenience.

We hope to hear from you with good news in response to our offer.

Best wishes,

House offer letters aren't guaranteed to work – some sellers will only care about the highest offer – but for those sellers who have a strong emotional attachment to the property, these letters can help.

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Real Estate | Templates

An Agent Guide to Writing a Home Offer Letter (+ Templates)

Published March 18, 2024

Published Mar 18, 2024

REVIEWED BY: Gina Baker

WRITTEN BY: Shannon Sharpe

This article is part of a larger series on Real Estate Lead Generation and Marketing .

• 1 What Is a Real Estate Home Offer Letter?
• 2 6 Items to Include
• 3 What to Avoid
• 4 How to Deliver the Letter to the Seller’s Agent
• 5 Home Offer Letter Templates
• 7 Bottom Line

As a buyer’s real estate agent, it is important to master the art of writing a compelling home offer letter. The goal is to bring the buyer’s offer to life so that a seller can clearly understand the terms without reading through a lengthy legal agreement. In short, an effective home offer letter opens the door to negotiations. It should strike a balance between highlighting essential details about the offer and avoiding unnecessary personal information about the client.

Read along to get our free home offer letter templates, learn what to include and avoid in your letter, and get details on how to deliver it to sellers.

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What Is a Real Estate Home Offer Letter?

A real estate home offer letter, sometimes referred to as a cover letter, is a written document submitted by a real estate agent on behalf of a potential buyer. This letter, which accompanies the formal purchase offer, expresses the buyer’s interest in purchasing a specific property and helps the seller visualize the offer terms. The letter should highlight specific terms or conditions the buyer believes will make their offer more appealing to the seller.

The goal of the real estate home offer letter is to connect with the seller to set the buyer’s offer apart from others. This strategy is particularly useful in competitive real estate markets where sellers receive multiple offers on their property.

Sample offer letter to purchase property (Source: Willow Nest Realty )

6 Items to Include in the Home Offer Letter

Imagine you are the seller for a moment. You have multiple offers in front of you. Which offers will you look at more carefully: the offers accompanied by a clear, detailed home offer letter, or the offers without one? I’ll let you answer that question yourself.

When competition is high, real estate agents seek ways to get their clients’ offers noticed. Now is the time to showcase your ability to deliver the offer clearly and concisely. Make sure to include the following elements items in your letter:

• Introduce yourself professionally
• Provide details of the offer
• Explain the contingencies
• Flex the financials
• Close the deal
• Put a signature on it

1. Introduce Yourself Professionally

Open your letter with a professional greeting to the listing agent. Clearly state your role as the buyer’s agent, introducing the letter’s purpose as an offer submission. Keep it clear and to the point, directing the focus toward the property and the offer details. Ensure the cover letter is well-structured, free of grammatical errors, and written in a professional tone. Focus on the property and offer details to create a strong first impression.

[Listing Agent Name]

[Real Estate Agency]

RE: Offer to Purchase – [Property Address]

Dear [Listing Agent Name] ,

2. Provide Details of the Offer

Provide a comprehensive breakdown of the offer. Be transparent about the buyer’s financing situation, ensuring the listing agent and seller will understand all the terms of the offer and what makes your buyer stand out from the competition. You can choose between two different styles when presenting the offer details. You can write it out as a paragraph or you can list the details in a bulleted list.

PARAGRAPH VERSION

We are prepared to offer [offer amount] for the property with [earnest money amount] as an earnest money deposit. [Optional: earnest money calculation explanation.] We are making this purchase [describe the financing situation objectively, e.g., pre-approved for a mortgage, able to make a cash offer] . An inspection period of [# days] is requested to conduct [list of inspections] . We [are/are not] flexible on the closing date. [Optional: provide reasoning.] This offer expires on [Date] at [Time] . [Optional: provide reason for the deadline. ]

BULLETED VERSION

Purchase Price: $[Offer Price] Earnest Money Deposit: $[Earnest Money Deposit Amount] Financing: [Financing Type (e.g., Conventional Mortgage, Cash)] Inspection Period: [Number] days Contingencies: Briefly explain any contingencies tied to the offer Closing Date: [Proposed Closing Date] Offer Expiration: This offer expires at [Time] on [Date] .

[Briefly describe any justification for price, earnest money, inspection period, closing dates, or offer expirations.] Copy to Clipboard

3. Explain the Contingencies

Contingencies are conditions or stipulations included in the offer that, when met, allow the buyer to proceed with the purchase. Each contingency acts as a safeguard, offering the buyer protection and the opportunity to withdraw from the deal without penalties if certain conditions are not satisfied.

After defining the contingency type, take this opportunity to showcase the buyer’s awareness of potential challenges and their willingness to work collaboratively with the seller to address them, leading to a smooth closing.

4. Flex the Financials

Transparency about the buyer’s financing situation is important, even if it is not the strongest offer. Clearly outline the buyer’s financial strength by providing a pre-approval letter. If the offer is cash, submit redacted proof of funds to further strengthen the offer. If funds are limited, such as in the case of a first-time homebuyer, clearly explain how the buyer has prepared for this purchase.

Sample mortgage loan pre-approval letter (Source: HomeBridge )

Common types of financing include:

• Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
• Veterans Affairs (VA)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Conventional

5. Close the Deal

Wrap up the letter with a brief summary of the key points, reiterating the strengths of the offer.  Assure the listing agent and seller about your and your buyer’s commitment to a seamless transaction. Encourage open communication between both parties and express your willingness to address any questions or concerns promptly. Finally, express gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to work together.

6. Put a Signature on It

If possible, provide a signature line on the letter instead of typed text. This adds an element of personalization that helps the listing agent and seller view this purchase as more than just another transaction. Underneath your signature, provide the phone number and email address where you can be reached.

[Your Signature (Optional)]

What to Avoid in Your Offer Letter

When writing home offer letters, it’s important to avoid certain details that could potentially harm yourself or your buyer. Here are some key things to steer clear of:

• Overly personal information: While a degree of personalization is encouraged, avoid sharing excessive personal details about your client or yourself. Stick to information relevant to the transaction to maintain professionalism and comply with privacy norms and fair housing guidelines.
• Ignoring the seller’s preferences:  If the seller has provided specific instructions or preferences for offer submissions, make sure to adhere to them. Ignoring such guidelines could create a negative impression and potentially harm the chances of your offer being accepted.
• Making unrealistic promises: Avoid making promises you cannot keep or that are beyond your control. This may lead to disappointment and can potentially harm your credibility.
• Being too impersonal: While you should maintain professionalism, don’t make the letter overly formal. Find a balance between professionalism and a friendly, approachable tone to connect with the seller on a human level.
• Neglecting legal and ethical considerations: Be mindful of fair housing laws and avoid any language or content that could be interpreted as discriminatory (words, phrases, or statements that stereotype certain individuals, or groups of individuals, based on their race, nationality, or protected class). Additionally, refrain from providing legal advice, unless you are licensed to do so.

How to Deliver the Letter to the Seller’s Agent

Once you have crafted your letter, it’s time to get the letter in the right hands. Send the home offer letter in a professional format, typically as an email attachment or a physical document, depending on the agent’s preference. Be aware of any deadlines set by the listing agent and seller to ensure you are delivering the letter and the offer in a timely manner.

• Personalize your email subject line: Write a professional subject line for your email. For example, “Offer Submission for [Property Address] – [Your Client’s Name].” This helps the listing agent identify the purpose of the email immediately.
• Include a cover email: In your email, provide a brief introduction and a quick overview of the key terms of the offer. For example, highlight the purchase price and closing date of the offer.
• Attach the offer letter: Clearly state that the offer letter is attached. Keep the email concise, encouraging the listing agent to review the attached document.
• Confirm receipt: Request a confirmation of receipt from the listing agent. You can include a sentence like, “Please confirm receipt at your earliest convenience.”
• Follow preferred communication channels: If the listing agent has a preferred mode of communication, such as email or an online platform, adhere to their preferences.
• Consider a follow-up call: If you haven’t received confirmation within a reasonable time frame, consider making a follow-up call to ensure the offer has been received and inquire about the seller’s timeline for reviewing offers.
• Respect timing: Be mindful of any specified deadlines or preferred submission times indicated by the listing agent. Timely delivery reflects professionalism and respect for the agent’s and seller’s time.
• Maintain professionalism: Throughout the communication, maintain a professional and respectful tone. Avoid unnecessary urgency or pressure tactics, as these may have a negative impact on the negotiation process and your reputation.
• Be responsive: Once the offer is submitted, be prepared to respond quickly to any inquiries or requests for additional information from the listing agent.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your offer letter is delivered in a professional and effective manner, increasing the likelihood of a positive response from the listing agent.

Home Offer Letter Templates

Home offer letter templates are necessary in today’s hot real estate market. They help buyers and agents craft strong overviews of an offer that grab sellers’ attention. These templates act as a roadmap, guiding you on how to professionally express your clients’ interest in a property.

Using a well-written template ensures your offer is clear, persuasive, and follows industry best practices. You can tailor the home offer letter templates below based on the specific property and your situation.

Template 1: Noncontingent Offer—Paragraph Version

The first example is a paragraph-styled home offer letter template in which the sale is not subject to any contingencies. It has a traditional letter format and provides all the details of the proposed sale.

[Listing Agent Name] [Real Estate Agency]

I am writing to submit an offer on behalf of my clients, [Buyer Name(s)] , to purchase the property located at [Property Address] .

They are very interested in this home and believe it would be a perfect fit for their needs. We have been very impressed with [mention objective features of the property, e.g., the spacious layout, the well-maintained landscaping, the desirable neighborhood] . We believe this property would be a [describe your situation objectively, e.g., ideal location for our work commute] .

[Buyer Name(s)] are [Describe Buyer Type (e.g., first-time homebuyers, purchasing a vacation home)] . They are very excited about this property and are committed to a smooth and timely transaction.

We are prepared to offer [offer amount] for the property with [earnest money amount] as an earnest money deposit. [Optional: earnest money calculation explanation.] We are making this purchase [describe the financing situation objectively, e.g., pre-approved for a mortgage, able to make a cash offer] . An inspection period of [# Days] is requested to conduct [List inspections] . We [are/are not] flexible on the closing date. [Optional: provide reasoning.] This offer expires on [Date] at [Time] . [Optional: provide reason for the deadline.] 

We believe our offer is strong and represents a serious buyer who is ready to close quickly. We are confident that [Buyer Name(s)] will take excellent care of this property. We are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working with you toward a successful closing.

Template 2: Contingent—Paragraph Version

This example is a paragraph-styled home offer letter template in which the sale is subject to certain contingencies. It is still in a traditional letter format, but adds the details of the contingency. Here you will add details about financing, appraisal, sale of prior home, or any other situation that needs to be completed for a successful sale. Remember to be specific and transparent.

This offer is contingent upon [list contingencies objectively, e.g., sale of current home, satisfactory home inspection, mortgage approval] . We understand that contingencies can impact the timeline. [Buyer Name(s)] are highly motivated buyers and are committed to working diligently to meet all contingencies in a timely manner to ensure a smooth closing. We are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working with you towards a successful closing.

Template 3: Bulleted Style—Noncontingent

This bulleted example for a home offer letter template provides the same level of detail as the paragraph version. The layout is a bit more straightforward and easier to read. There is no correct answer for which template you use. Choose the template that best fits your writing style.

Purchase Price: $[Offer Price] Earnest Money Deposit: $[Earnest Money Deposit Amount] Financing: [Financing Type (e.g., Conventional Mortgage, Cash)] Inspection Period: [Number] days Contingencies: [Briefly explain any contingencies tied to the offer] Closing Date: [Proposed Closing Date] Offer Expiration: This offer expires at [Time] on [Date] .

[Briefly describe any justification for price, earnest money, inspection period, closing dates, or offer expirations.]

We believe our offer is strong and represents a serious buyer who is ready to close quickly. We are confident that [Buyer Name(s)] will take excellent care of this property. We are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working with you towards a successful closing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth it to write a cover letter for a home offer.

The short answer is yes. Writing a home offer letter ensures a seller clearly understands the terms of a buyer’s offer. While a home offer letter is not a formal requirement and may not impact the seller’s decision in all cases, it can add a personal touch and help your client’s offer stand out, especially if multiple offers are on the table. Ultimately, whether or not to write a letter for a house purchase depends on the local real estate trends, the seller’s preferences, and your familiarity with this process.

How do you write a counter-offer letter for a house?

Following the same process as for writing a home offer letter, you will update the terms originally provided with the countered terms. You can leave out any duplicate information and get straight to the point. The original cover letter to purchase the property has all the details of the initial offer. You will want to highlight any changes being made to the original terms in your counter-offer letter.

What are the guidelines surrounding real estate offer letters & fair housing?

When writing a cover letter for a house purchase, it’s important to stay in compliance with fair housing laws to avoid unintentional violations. These laws are in place to prevent discrimination in housing transactions based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.

Here are some tips for staying compliant with fair housing laws in a home offer letter:

• Focus on highlighting your buyer’s financial qualifications, such as mortgage pre-approval and financing capabilities, without delving into personal characteristics associated with protected classes.
• Stick to factual information about your buyer’s readiness to buy the property, the offer terms, and relevant timelines.
• Use neutral language, avoiding expressions that could be construed as discriminatory or biased.
• Emphasize your buyer’s appreciation for the property itself rather than the personal attributes of current owners or neighbors.
• If you’re uncertain, seek guidance from real estate professionals or legal experts to ensure your cover letter does not violate any fair housing laws. These laws apply to every individual, not just those in the real estate industry.

Bottom Line

A strong real estate home offer letter isn’t just part of an agent’s job—it’s a secret weapon in competitive markets. Mastering this skill is one way you can set yourself apart from other agents. By focusing on details, being transparent, and adding a personal touch, you’ll show sellers you’re serious about making your client’s dream home a reality.

About the Author

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Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe is a subject matter expert at Fit Small Business focusing on a wide variety of real estate content including residential and commercial sales, property management, and investing. Upon completion of an MBA in Real Estate from Longwood University, she served as the Head of Brokerage at an accredited real estate firm focusing on compliance and growth. She is certified by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and holds a designation as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). With almost 30 years of experience in the industry, she is passionate about sharing her wisdom with other professionals at all levels of their careers.

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How to Write An Excellent Offer Letter for a House

In this article:

With intense competition in many housing markets around the country, many buyers find it’s difficult to buy their dream home at a price they can afford. In a seller’s market, buyers often have to make a larger offer than they’d like or come up with more cash upfront than they’re comfortable with. But a larger offer isn’t the only way to stand out — sometimes, an offer letter to buy a house can make a big difference. 

A real estate offer letter is an opportunity to make a connection with the seller, allowing you to introduce yourself, explain why you want to buy the home, and clarify any financial details that may need explaining. It’s an accompaniment to your offer that appeals to the seller’s emotions and might make them lead towards choosing your offer over a competitor’s offer. And you'll need all the help you can get in a hot market.

Writing an offer letter to a seller is a delicate process. There are a number of factors to consider, including a few legal ones. Here, we’ll explain how to write an excellent home offer letter that will appeal to sellers and make your offer stand out.

Why is an offer letter important?

The vast majority of home sellers are human beings, not corporations. As such, there’s an emotional element for most people selling a home. With many offers on the table and a lot of similar looking paperwork and numbers to look at, some owners may struggle to figure out which offer is the “right” offer.

In that case, a home offer letter makes your offer stand out from all the other paperwork and numbers. When you include an offer in your application, there’s immediately one thing that’s different from the rest of the offers, and it gives you a chance to make an emotional appeal to the owner. In a seller’s market, an offer letter could give you a leg up on the competition.

Even if you’ve always been a renter, you’ve established emotional connections and memories with your past apartments. Now imagine that nostalgia ratcheted up to 11 and that’s how some home sellers feel about their homes. It might have been their first home, or may have raised their children there, or met their spouse while living there. Home is where the heart is and, as such, many home sellers think with their heart when selling. Appealing to that sentimentality and showing them that you will love their home as much as they do is important for many sellers.

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When is an offer letter not appropriate?

Because offer letters appeal to the emotional side of a business transaction, there are times when they are not appropriate. For instance, if a house is being sold as part of a divorce, a death in the family, or some other tragedy, it’s best to leave it to the numbers. A sentimental offer letter might stir up complicated emotions and make a home seller uncomfortable or upset — not the reactions you want from an offer letter.

Likewise, if you’re buying a house as an investment property, sentimentality isn’t likely to make a significant impact on the seller. Or, vice versa, if a seller is just trying to maximize profit, your letter won’t make an impact if there are higher offers.

In recent years, offer letters have become more controversial as well as they can lead to violations of the Fair Housing Act . For this reason, they’re banned in some parts of the country. 

Why is that? Because Fair Housing Act states that it’s illegal to discriminate on the basis of any protected class when selling a home, including race, color, religion, sex or gender, disability, national origin, or familial status. If a seller deduces your race or family status through your offer letter and uses that information to make a decision, they may face legal penalties. Worse yet, if anyone perceives or thinks that they used an offer letter to discriminate against another person’s offer, they could still land in hot water.

Some real estate agents won’t send offer letters and some sellers won’t accept them to avoid violating Fair Housing laws. As such, you should always check with the agent and the seller before submitting a letter.

How to write a home offer letter

If your agent and the seller approve a home offer letter, it’s time to get to work! 

When you sit down to get this done, don’t feel like you have to write it all by yourself — your agent or attorney may have some good tips for you. But for now, these are some of the top do’s and don’ts for home offer letters.

What you should do

• Keep it about a page long. Don’t go overboard and overwrite this. Keep your letter to about a page, at the most. 
• Use paper and pen. Email might be easier but this is a personal note. Writing it out yourself shows you care enough to, well, write it out yourself. You might even consider using nice stationery.
• Greet the seller by name and introduce yourself. Nobody wants to be addressed as “seller,” so get the seller’s name from your agent if you don’t know it. Begin the letter formally, state your purpose, and then get to the introduction. When you introduce yourself, don’t give away too many details. Let them know what you do (especially if you’re a public servant) and why you love the house, but less is more — especially with information that might hint at your status as a (un)protected class.
• Find common ground. This can be difficult if you viewed a staged home or one where the seller had already left. Still, you can discuss the neighborhood, the backyard, the porch, or other fixed aspects of the house that you love. Dog house in the backyard? There are no rules against choosing offers from dog people.
• Explain why you love the home. Get specific with the details you love about the house but also explain how you’ll live there. Do you have a large family? Describe the holidays and family events you hope to host thanks to the giant kitchen. Working from home? Share how you plan to set up your office in that delightful reading nook.
• Include a few financial details. The home offer letter is sentimental but if you aren’t offering full asking price or you haven’t been approved for a mortgage yet, this is a good chance to clarify some points. You can respectfully explain why you’re not offering full price and emphasize your mortgage pre-approval letter, even if you haven’t been formally approved yet. This part can be tricky, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice from your agent or attorney.
• Say thank you. The closing of your home offer letter gives you a chance to make a lasting impression. Thank the seller for their time and consideration, reemphasize your interest in buying the home, and convey the sincerity of your love for the home.

What you shouldn’t do

As discussed, home offer letters are a dicey business and not always appropriate. As such, there are some boundaries to keep in mind when writing one.

• Don’t get too personal. To reiterate the earlier point, it’s good to share a little about yourself, your family, and what you do, but you cannot reveal anything that identifies your status within a protected class. For instance, be careful to use neutral terms like “partner” or “spouse” rather than “husband” or “wife.”
• Don’t say what you want to change. Sellers can be sentimental, they don’t want to think about how you’re going to change your house, they want to think about how you’ll enjoy the home they’ve already made for you.
• Don’t complain. If you think the price is unfair or you’re unhappy with the seller’s timing needs, the offer letter is not the place to adjudicate.
• Don’t give away too many financial details. Explaining why your offer is lower than the asking price is fine. If you’re concerned you may not be able to secure a loan or are unwilling to move on your offer, don’t bring it up.
• Don’t contradict the purchase agreement. The offer letter is an appeal to emotion, not a legal document. If you don’t want to pay for certain repairs, negotiate that later, not now.
• Don’t include a photo. Again, a photo is the easiest way to run afoul of Fair Housing issues. Let your words speak for themselves.

As a buyer, an offer letter to buy a house can give you a leg up in a competitive seller’s market. But it can also be the quickest way to see your offer rejected. If you’re writing a home offer letter, keep it vague, positive, and brief.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Real Estate Offer Letter that Gets the House

• Making the Offer
• Offers & Negotiations
• Published on June 29th, 2020

Gayle Towell is a freelance writer from Oregon who specializes in science, education, real estate, and other topics. With master’s degrees in mathematics and physics and a passion for fiction writing, she is a polymath who enjoys sharing her learning and knowledge with others.

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At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict  editorial integrity in each of our posts.

When you’ve found the house of your dreams and you’re ready to make an offer , how do you make sure your offer stands out? While the primary factor that determines which offer a seller chooses is financial (in other words, the price you’ll pay to live in the house), if two or more offers are comparable, an appeal to emotions may allow fate to tip favorably in your direction.

One tactic that many agents recommend for just that reason is writing an offer letter to the seller. When making such an appeal, however, there are many factors to consider — and even a few legal concerns to carefully navigate. Read on to learn more and discover how to write a real estate offer letter that will get you the house.

Why write an offer letter?

As it turns out, most sellers are human beings, and as humans, they favor a good emotional connection. The business of buying and selling a house involves a lot of paperwork and a lot of numbers, and if the seller has competing offers that all look pretty similar to each other, they may find themselves looking for some sort of sign or feeling as to which one is the “right” one.

A letter that helps the seller make an emotional connection to you by sharing a little bit about yourself and what you like about the property has the potential to make your offer stand out from the crowd like a glowing beacon against the darkness of paper and math. Especially in seller’s markets, where there is lots of competition with other buyers, an offer letter can give you an edge.

Consider what the home means to the seller. It could be the house where they raised their children, full of countless birthday parties and the family dog running around the backyard. It can mean a lot to them knowing that they’re selling it to someone who will take care of it and (hopefully) love it the same way they do.

New York real estate agent Stephanie Morgan , who has more than 18 years of experience, says that, “Real estate is a highly emotional transaction,” and that whenever she got the sense that a home held sentimental value, she would work with her clients on crafting a letter.

Offer letters aren’t appropriate in every circumstance, however. If a house is being sold as part of a divorce or under some other traumatic or contentious circumstance, then it might be best to avoid stirring up potentially conflicted emotions. Such letters may also make little difference if the house being sold was an investment property or if other offers are significantly higher than yours.

Considerations in a modern world

In recent years, the possibility that offer letters may lead to violations of Fair Housing laws has made them all but banned in certain areas. You may find that your agent is reluctant to send such a letter along, or even that the seller refuses any offers that come with a letter.

This is because it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of any protected class when selling a home, including race, color, religion, sex or gender, disability, national origin, or familial status. So, for example, if the seller learns your race or family status through your offer letter, even through something as innocuous as your signature, and then uses that in the decision-making process, this can put them in legal jeopardy. In fact, even if they didn’t use that information to make their decision, it can still be a problem if anyone perceives or thinks that they did.

Complaints related to perceived violations resulting from offer letters are rare, but as Stephanie Morgan says, she has seen, “a surge in the private remarks of Realtors,” that they will not accept any offers with these “love letters” attached. In her own practice, she no longer sends letters as a matter of course, but instead only offers a sentence or two if there is a simple connection that can be made.

The building blocks to a winning letter

Use actual paper and a pen. This is a letter, not an email — nice stationery might even win you some points. Anything that can add a personal touch will increase the possibility of emotional pull.

Be sure to greet the seller by name. Starting a letter with “Dear seller” simply does not give off a personable vibe. You should be able to get the name from your agent if you don’t have it already.

Introduce yourself in the letter, but be careful not to give away too many details. You want them to have a sense of who you are, but not so much information that they can start finding reasons to dislike you. Less is more — most especially when it comes to any information that may hint at your status within any protected class, as mentioned above.

Find common ground and determine a way to make a personal connection. This can be tricky because many homes are staged to remove personal belongings. Stephanie Morgan mentions that she instructs her clients to stage their homes for exactly that reason. She says, “I don’t want people to be able to read my clients and understand where they’re coming from. It’s a bit of a poker game.”

But if you notice a beautiful garden outside, or an impeccable kitchen, you can mention the fact that you are an avid gardener or an accomplished cook. Is there a dog house in the backyard? Tell them about your plans for a new puppy.

Include details about why you love the house. For someone who has lived in the house a long time, those details are things they love, too! And besides, everyone likes to be complimented. You can really make your offer letter shine by giving them details about what you love and why you want this house to be yours.

Your offer letter might also benefit if you include (a few) financial details , especially if you aren’t offering full asking price. You can explain (respectfully) why and also mention your mortgage preapproval .

It’s also good to point out where you can be flexible . If you can let the seller pick the closing date or otherwise have the ability to offer concessions here and there, tell the seller about that. Not only does it inform them of your flexibility, but it lets them know you are personable and approachable about it.

Finally, don’t forget to say thank you. Even if the seller doesn’t accept your offer, they took the time to read it, and you should show your appreciation for that.

And speaking of taking the time to read it, be sure to keep it short . Nobody wants to read an essay — a few paragraphs to one page is sufficient.

What to leave out of the offer letter

Now that you know what to include in the letter, it’s important to examine what not to include and why.

Don’t get too personal. Any information that identifies your status within a protected class is becoming more and more of a no-no. So be sure to leave that out and instead focus on commonalities and details about the house itself.

Don’t tell the seller what you want to change. Focus on the positives only, not what you don’t love. Sometimes too much information is bad.

Morgan adds that people “don’t want to hear what you’re going to do differently because it’s almost like a judgment that they were doing something wrong with their home.”

Don’t whine. An offer letter is not a place to complain, but a place to appeal. If you think the price is unfair, or you’re not happy about the seller’s timing needs, this is not a good opportunity to voice those thoughts.

Don’t go overboard with financial details. There is such a thing as giving away too much. You don’t want to leave them either afraid you won’t be able to secure a loan, or to hint that you’re well enough off that you won’t want to negotiate the price.

Don’t contradict the purchase agreement . Try to leave the details vague in the offer letter (it’s more about emotion) and let the purchase agreement handle the specifics; if you do cite the price or another detail, make sure it corresponds with the legal document.

Don’t include a photo. You may see suggestions that you include a picture, but doing so can backfire. It’s usually safest to leave it out. This is another manifestation of the Fair Housing issue; the seller is open to a potential lawsuit if they consider an offer from a household or buyer with a photo attached and that buyer is part of a protected class.

Ready, set, write!

Let’s wrap it up! Remember: the offer letter is an appeal to emotion. It should be short, sweet, and personable without revealing information that sets anyone up for Fair Housing violation issues. In other words, focus on the property and universal topics. Highlight what you love about the place, mention common hobbies or pets, and leave out anything negative!

If you’re not sure what to put in your offer letter (or whether to write one at all), talk to your real estate agent and ask their advice.

Header Image Source: (Pixabay / Pexels)

Gayle Towell

Contributing Author

How to write the perfect offer letter to get the house of your dreams

• Competitive homebuyers are writing sellers compelling offer letters amid the hot housing market.
• To win homes, some prospective buyers get personal. But the rules are changing in some states.
• Agents told Insider how to write the perfect offer letter and what to avoid in the process.
• This article is part of " The Road to Home " series focused on helping first-time homebuyers navigate the daunting and exhilarating process of purchasing a home. 

When Ilan and Sarah Harel bought their first home in Pleasant Valley, New York, last year, they decided to get creative.

The couple, having already been burned by the competitive pandemic housing market, knew they had to go above and beyond to get a deal done.

So in addition to making an offer $5,000 over the asking price, the pair wrote a personalized offer letter to the property's then-homeowners to try and seal the deal.

The letter was unique and charming. It professed their love for the home (and its on-site chicken coop) and outlined their plans to build a future there, children and chickens aplenty.

Though the couple don't actually want children or chickens, they were ecstatic to hear they'd won the home after a nail-biting weekend waiting to hear back from the sellers.

And some of their luck, they assume, was thanks to the letter.

Scores of homebuyers (even more thanks to a red-hot housing market) write offer letters to homeowners. It can be a compelling tactic to help score points with sellers and sway them in the direction of choosing you as the winner of their sought-after property.

But there's a right way to write offer letters, and there are pitfalls to be careful of.

Related stories

"Up until recently, it has been extremely popular to write letters to homeowners to provide details about the buyer's sentimental touch to a house," Tomer Fridman, an agent from The Fridman Group , told Insider. "However, the California Association of Realtors recently sent out a warning that these letters are fraught with the potential for discrimination."

With that in mind, Insider sought the best advice from agents on how to build the best offer letter, without crossing any lines.

Writing an offer letter

"When composing an offer letter, it is best to include a brief but genuine bio about who you are and why you love the home," Rebecca Blacker , a real-estate agent with Warburg, told Insider.

"Tell the current homeowners about yourself: where you're from, what you do for a living, what you like to do in your free time," she said. "You want the current homeowners to feel like they know you and feel connected to your story."

She added: "You also want to be specific about why you fell in love with their home. Was it their beautifully renovated kitchen or the layout of the home working perfectly for your family? 

"Odds are that the current homeowners love their home for the same reason that you do, and they will like hearing that. Do not include what you'd like to change or don't like about the home. Keep it positive."

But some agents say an offer letter should be strictly business, free of personal touches. 

"The offer letter should primarily outline only objective financial terms and price," Karen Kostiw , another Warburg agent, said. She added that it was important to have an understanding of the Fair Housing Act, which protects buyers from discrimination to keep deals free of issues involving fair housing. 

"The perfect offer letter highlights the buyers' offer price and terms," she said, adding that the terms should specify the anticipated closing date and contingencies like financing and inspections. 

It's important for a seller to see a buyer's financial strength, too, she said, adding that preapprovals and proof of liquidity are important to demonstrating financial viability.

But there is room to connect with a seller: "Selling a home is emotional for a seller who has lived in a home typically for many years and created many memories," Kostiw said, "so it's genuine for the prospective buyer to create a connection by expressing their interest in the property and what features drew them to the property."

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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• Main content

House Offer Letter Guide

Hash-mark what is a house offer letter.

A house offer letter is a written document you will present to the seller of a home you are interested in buying that gives them a bit of background on who you are and why you want to purchase their property. While not required, a house offer letter can help you appeal to the seller's emotions and may help persuade them to accept your offer. A house offer letter can be especially helpful if they are on the fence and have interest from other buyers.

hash-mark How to Write an Offer Letter for their House

1. address the seller directly.

You want your offer letter to feel as warm and conversational as possible. So, try your best to address the seller directly and avoid phrases like "to whom it may concern." Instead, use the seller's full name if you know it. If you don't, something like "to the owners of the beautiful home at 123 Spruce Lane" will work. The more specific and complimentary you get, the easier it will be to attract their attention.  

2. Appeal to Their Emotions

The goal of a house offer letter is to sell yourself to the homeowner. Tell them a bit about yourself and your family (if you have one) and explain what it would mean if they were to sell you their house. The more you tug at their heartstrings and make a genuine connection, the greater the chances that your letter will move the goalpost.

3. Compliment the Home

People love receiving compliments and often think of their homes as an extension of themselves. Therefore, complement the home and mention specific features that caught your eye. For example, you can say how you love the way they decorated the living room or compliment their beautiful garden. Be genuine and point out things you actually like; don't just give empty compliments in an attempt to make them like you. But you want to clarify why you're interested in purchasing their home.

4. Find Common Ground

Try to find common ground with the seller if possible. People like to do business with people they trust, and they are more likely to trust you if they feel like they have something in common with you. It could be something as simple as mentioning your family if they also have a family. Or you could point out the dedicated sewing room if you also like to sew. The more you can do to find common ground with the seller, the more effective your letter will be. 

5. Highlight Your Offer

Make sure to touch on your exact offer and highlight anything that may make you stand out. For instance, if you're offering $5,000 above the asking price or paying cash, make sure you point it out so the seller is aware. Of course, their broker will likely pass on that info, but it never hurts to mention it again in case any details were miscommunicated.

6. Address Any Contingencies

In addition to highlighting any positives, it's also good to address any reservations. You should be subtle and may want to save severe complaints for an in-person discussion. But if you want something repaired before moving in or need to sell your current home before closing, it's best to address it head-on.  

7. End On a Positive Note

Finally, you should end your offer letter on a positive note. Be sure to thank the seller for taking the time to read your note and consider your offer. A tiny bit of gratitude can go a long way toward convincing you're a worthy candidate to purchase your home.

hash-mark Letter to Home Seller Example

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Smith,

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our offer on your gorgeous home. We love what you've done with the place and would be honored to live in such a lovely home.

Our names are Jane and John Jones. We are first-time homeowners with a three-year-old daughter and a five-year-old poodle. We are so excited to find a home for our family, and we think yours is the perfect fit.

We both grew up in the area and have close family nearby. Plus, your home is in the school district we want our daughter to attend, so the location would be ideal. We also noticed that you have a dog, and the yard is the perfect size for our pup to run around.

We both work in tech and spend a few days a week working from home so the extra bedroom would be perfect for a home office. Plus, the open concept living area is ideal for dinner parties when our family visits.

We want to make one small request that the mirror in the primary bathroom be fixed before we move in or discuss other options.

Thank you again for taking the time to review our offer, and we look forward to hearing your response.

The Jones Family

hash-mark House Offer Bottom Line 

A house offer letter is a great way to put a face to your offer and set yourself apart from other bidders. Ultimately, a seller isn't going to favor your offer over someone offering significantly more money just because of a friendly letter. But, if it's a close decision or you have reason to believe the seller has reservations about moving forward, an offer letter can help sway them in your favor.  

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• Creative Letter
• Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for House Offer

When making an offer on a house, it is common practice to include a cover letter. A cover letter for a house offer is a formal letter that accompanies your offer to purchase a property. It allows you to introduce yourself to the seller, express your interest in their property, and provide any additional details that may strengthen your offer. In this article, we will provide examples of cover letters for house offers, as well as offer some suggestions to help you craft a compelling and effective letter.

Letter Example 1:

Letter example 2:, suggestions for writing a cover letter, conclusions, faq 1: do i need to include a cover letter with my house offer, faq 2: how long should my cover letter be, faq 3: what information should i include in my cover letter, faq 4: should i mention the price i am offering in the cover letter, examples of cover letters for house offers.

Dear [Seller's Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in purchasing your beautiful home at [Property Address]. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the charm and character that it exudes. The attention to detail and the well-maintained condition of the property truly set it apart from other homes I have seen in the area.

As a potential buyer, I want to assure you that I am serious about this offer. I have secured financing and can provide a substantial down payment, which I believe demonstrates my commitment to the purchase. Additionally, I am flexible with the closing date and can work around your preferred timeline.

I look forward to the possibility of making this house my home, and I hope to have the opportunity to discuss my offer further with you. Thank you for considering my offer, and I eagerly await your response.

[Your Name]

I am writing to express my sincere interest in purchasing your property at [Property Address]. The moment I saw the listing, I was drawn to the unique architectural design and the stunning views that this house offers. It is a rare gem that perfectly aligns with my vision of a dream home.

I am confident that my offer reflects the true value of your property. I have thoroughly researched the market and have consulted with real estate professionals to arrive at a fair and competitive price. Furthermore, I am willing to accommodate any necessary repairs or inspections to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transaction.

Thank you for considering my offer. I believe that this house has the potential to become a cherished home for my family, and I hope to have the opportunity to discuss this further with you. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Best regards,

• Research the property and seller: Gather as much information as possible about the property and the seller's motivations. This will help you personalize your letter and make it more compelling.
• Highlight your strengths: Emphasize your financial readiness, flexibility with the closing date, and any other factors that make your offer attractive to the seller.
• Keep it concise and professional: Stick to the main points and avoid unnecessary details or emotional appeals. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.
• Proofread and edit: Double-check your letter for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written and error-free letter demonstrates your attention to detail.

A cover letter for a house offer is an essential part of the home buying process. It allows you to introduce yourself to the seller and make a compelling case for why they should accept your offer. By following the examples and suggestions provided in this article, you can craft a well-written and persuasive cover letter that increases your chances of securing your dream home.

While not mandatory, including a cover letter with your house offer can help you stand out from other potential buyers. It provides an opportunity to express your interest in the property and personalize your offer.

Your cover letter should be concise and to the point. Aim for one page or less, focusing on the most important details that make your offer attractive to the seller.

In your cover letter, you should introduce yourself, express your interest in the property, highlight your strengths as a buyer, and provide any additional information that may support your offer.

It is generally recommended to include the price you are offering in the cover letter. This helps the seller understand the terms of your offer upfront and can save time during the negotiation process.

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How to Write an Offer to Purchase Letter

Homebuyers trying to stand out from a crowd of offers in today’s competitive market are often told to write an offer to purchase letter to accompany their offer. Buyers who are financing a home, or have a smaller down payment, often have trouble competing with all-cash buyers. Appealing to the seller as a person, as opposed to a contract, can sometimes give a buyer an emotional edge.

What isn’t often explained to buyers is how exactly to write that offer to purchase letter. The best ideas are often squandered by poor execution. Here is a quick guide to framing the offer to purchase letter and leveraging your best attributes by thinking from the seller’s point of view.

1. Flatter first

Your offer to purchase letter is an emotional pitch. You’re attempting to tell the seller, “I’m such a good person that you should ignore the numbers.” They need to like you. Tell the seller how great their taste in color is, how much you’d love to have their lifestyle, and what an amazing neon bottle cap exhibit they have over the fireplace. Lay it on thick, but keep it sincere. You’re selling, but you don’t want them to feel like they’re being sold a used car.

If you need some help, ask your agent for tips (here’s how to find a real estate agent in your area),

2. Get to the point

You may have 10 great ideas that you’d like to tell the seller.  They will only remember two. The seller may have 10 other offer to purchase letters to read. If you mix in your best points with your lesser points, they may all just become a jumble.

Pick two or three reasons why you will be the best buyer for this home, and make them distinctly recognizable. The more streamlined you make your message, the more memorable it will be.

3. Paint a picture

People remember what they’ve read at a far higher rate when they can see a picture of it in their head. “I really love this neighborhood because I’ve lived here and gone to school here,” doesn’t resonate.

On the other hand, “I spend half of my time walking the cobblestone streets around this block, dropping my daughter off at Gilman School and volunteering at Schnitzelfest every summer,” will trigger a visual memory for a seller.  Think “I’d be so happy in the summer to be cooking Neapolitan pizza for friends and neighbors in your outdoor wood-fired oven”.

4. Don’t remodel the house

Planning on adding a second story or changing the landscaping? Don’t mention it. You might be correct that the seller’s sewing room would make a great workout room for you, but this isn’t the time.

If you’re going to expand to create more bedrooms, you might be changing the seller’s favorite eyebrow windows in the roofline. They may have buried their dog under the tree you’re planning to pave over.  he sellers may have awful taste, but homeowners are very protective of their homes.

5. Show stability

Present yourself as a stable buyer who will have no problem closing the purchase.  Whether that is a reference to your lack of contingencies, stellar employment record, or commitment to moving in as soon as the sellers are comfortable, ease the sellers’ fears of a shaky transaction.

6. Show humility

At the same time, be humble and ask for the sellers’ blessing on your offer. “We would be so honored to live in your home,” goes much further than “We are confident that you will accept our generous offer.” The ball is in their court, and your offer to purchase letter should acknowledge that.

7. Don’t whine

The emotion of your offer to purchase letter must be upbeat and high. It needs to make the seller feel good.  Everyone wants to play with a winner. The seller doesn’t care how many other homes you’ve lost out on. They don’t care that your rent just doubled.  They don’t want to know about your wife’s sad condition that requires you to have a home like this. They just feel uncomfortable now.  In fact, they’re already tossing your offer in the round file as they finish this paragraph.

8. Close your offer to purchase letter with clarity

Remember the five-point paragraphs and five-paragraph themes you had to write in school? While those formulas are too long and rigid for this letter, their closing advice should be noted. Your excitement, motivation, and ability should be reiterated at the end of your offer to purchase letter in a quick recap.

Remember that the sellers could be reading a few letters. Make sure that the closing of your letter reminds them of your best qualities and reinforces them.

9. Sign with appreciation

The feeling your sellers will leave with can live or die on the signature line:  “Sincerely”, “Cordially”, “Best Regards”, and “Yours Truly” do not apply. This is not a business correspondence of equals. Thank the sellers for spending their valuable evening reading the ode that you wrote about your unworthy self.

“Thank you so much for your time,”  “Thank you for the opportunity,” “Your consideration is greatly appreciated,” or even “We are honored to have the opportunity,” will leave the seller understanding that you value their time and are grateful for it.

10. Spell check. Grammar check. Buddy check. Do it again.

As the recovering son of a former Catholic school English teacher, there is a dark secret I’d like to let you in on. We’re prejudiced. We look down on people who aren’t like us. There is a heinous belief ingrained in us from birth that says people who misspell and use incorrect grammar are lesser beings and not worthy of our respect.

Truthfully, though, there is an unbelievable amount of weight that some sellers will put on the preciseness of the letter. Right or wrong, the buyer’s personality will be judged from their attention to detail, ability to follow-through, and level of care in the letter. Buyer reliability is often gleaned from how well the rules of grammar are followed. If grammar isn’t your thing, find someone whose thing it is.  You never know:  the house you want to buy just might belong to my mother.

11. Write the letter, check it twice, and send it off

There are many tactics being used by home buyers to stand out from the crowd.  While not all sellers will read them, personalized offer to purchase letters are the most-accepted and popular form of unique buyer strategies available. Don’t rush the letter. Take the time to write it correctly. It just might be the most valuable single page of text you ever write.

Sam DeBord is a Realtor® and Managing Broker at Coldwell Banker Danforth & Associates. Find him on SeattleHome.com.

Sam DeBord is CEO of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO). He has served as President's Liaison for MLS and Data Management with the National Association of REALTORS®, managing broker for Coldwell Banker Danforth, and as a director for NAR.

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How To Write An Offer Letter For A House

• Tips & Advice

Here’s How To Write An Offer Letter That Works

An offer letter accompanying your purchase offer could be just what you need to land the house you want . But how do you write an offer letter for a house? Where can you find an offer letter example or offer letter template? This article is the place to start.

Even though the real estate market is changing, it is always competitive for home buyers out there. Good homes in great areas listed at the right prices will always be in demand. Some will receive multiple offers within just hours. How can you boost your odds of winning the home you want to buy?

Real Estate Negotiations 101

Before we get into how to write an offer letter, let’s look at the status quo. Real estate contracts are cold legal documents. You may not be able to make the highest offer for the home you want. Even if you could, it may not make sense for you.

Fortunately, winning the bid isn’t always about the top-line offer price. It’s not even always about the bottom line either.

It can be incredibly helpful to have a professional third party negotiator in any type of situation like this.

With or without them, the key is really to put yourself in the seller’s shoes. While money is always involved and often important, buying and selling homes is emotional. Decisions are almost always primarily driven by emotion first and logic second.

Think about selling a home yourself. Maybe you have in the past. Or imagine you’ve owned this home for 20 years and raised your kids there. What might be important to you when it comes time to sell?

You may need the money to move on to a new place. You may also care about finding a buyer that will take care of this home that holds all of these memories. You may care about whom you put into this home and how they will impact the neighbors you’ve grown to care about. You may remember the struggles of buying a home yourself. Helping someone else might be just as meaningful as anything else.

Do Offer Letters For Houses Work?

You may not be able to speak directly to the seller. It normally isn’t best to do so. It is virtually impossible to convey all these things in a real estate contract. Which makes writing an offer letter to accompany your contract a smart move.

Including a letter is like sending a cover letter with a resume for a job. It’s your chance to distinguish yourself from all the other candidates. It sets up your offer in the best way. It allows you to include all the important points that don’t fit within the standard format.

Your offer letter enables you to show how reliable you are as a buyer. That trumps any promises of numbers that may not materialize from many other paper offers. Realtor.com says it is one of the best options when sellers are receiving multiple offers.

Here’s how to write an offer letter for a house:

Main Factors In Your Letter

The introduction.

Begin with their name. A person’s name is the best sounding word they can hear.

Drop a compliment or two to break the ice and warm them up. Find something about the home to mention. It may be how they redecorated the interior, maintained the home, or their landscaping design.

Appeal to Their Emotions

Draw on the things which are most important to them. It may be the money to move. The urgency of selling right now. Or something related to the condition of the home.

Convey why it is so important and meaningful for you to get this specific house. Don’t act desperate. Explain what it can do for them and you.

Perhaps you need to be in this school district for your kids to get a good education. Maybe you are a single parent who hasn’t been able to find a home close enough to a job and childcare.

Show Them You’re Serious

Being able to close and close on time is a huge deal.

Here you might attach a copy of your earnest money deposit check that you put into escrow with your real estate attorney or title company. You may highlight how much deposit or down payment you are willing to make. You can highlight your mortgage approval letter and how reliable this lender is.

The Balance  reports that contingencies are one of the top reasons pending home sales fail to make it to closing. Mention any contingencies you may be willing to waive. Such as repairs, appraisals, or financing contingencies. If you buying their home doesn’t rely on selling a current house, be sure to mention that as well.

Use this section to keep building the trust. Show you care about the things which are important to them too.

Give Them Options & A Chance To Win

Few people like being told what to do. Everyone wants to feel they are winning something in negotiations.

Use this section to guide their choices. All while making them feel smart and like winners. You may mention where you can and can’t negotiate. For example; “We cannot pay any more for this home due to the current market, but are happy to work around a closing date that works best for you.”

Offer Letter Example For A House

If you’re still wondering how to write the letter, maybe an offer letter template will help:

Here’s another offer letter example:

How A Great Real Estate Agent Can Help

Your agent is the person who will present your letter, highlight the most important parts, and make sure it gets read.

Realtors are professional negotiators who can help write these letters. Or they may have a professional copywriter on their team who does this for a living.

Your agent will also do the homework and find out what is most important to this seller and their agent, so all these points can be addressed perfectly in your letter.

UpNest network agents also offer cash rebates to their home buyer clients. You can use this to up your offer price, cover costs so you don’t need to press the seller for concessions, or use it towards decorating your new home.

An offer letter can make all the difference in landing the house you want to buy. This small step can dramatically increase your odds of winning the bid, even over much better-qualified candidates and those who offer a little more. The  M Report  forecasts that 1 in 4 home buyers will face competition from multiple offers in 2020. Pick your UpNest network agent today and craft a winning letter to bring out the best in your home purchase offer.

UpNest Reviews – Press – Agent Reviews – UpNest Testimonials – Facebook Reviews – BBB

The data indicates they do. An offer letter can set you apart from other potential buyers and help show the seller you’re serious about your offer. Aside from showing your serious, the offer letter can help forge an emotional connection between the buyer and seller.

A good buyer’s letter will help humanize the buyer as well as explain why the seller should favor the buyer’s offer. The key is to make an emotional connection with the seller while also legitimizing your offer and showing you’re serious. You want to make it clear that your offer has the most weight behind it if the seller chooses you!

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How to Write the Perfect Offer Letter to Purchase Property (Free Template)

You’ve finally stumbled upon the perfect property in an ideal location and are envisioning the launch of your dream vacation rental business. But here’s the catch—you’re not the only one who’s fallen in love with this home. Multiple offers are vying for the seller’s attention.

In this situation, you’ll want to ensure you’ve learned how to craft that perfect sample offer letter to purchase property . While there are other factors at play, the right offer letter to purchase property could turn your dream into reality or force you to resume your search for the perfect home.

So, how can you draft a winning property offer letter that captivates the seller without revealing too much personal information and sounding desperate? We can help!

Whether you’re looking to buy a vacation home for those summer getaways or an investment property to diversify your portfolio, we’ve got what you need. We’re about to provide you with a free house offer letter template and show you how to personalize it to make your offer stand out.

Download our free real estate offer letter template now and start your journey towards securing that dream property.

Don’t see the form to download our offer letter template? Click here .

What is a real estate offer letter?

A real estate offer letter is your chance, as a potential buyer, to tell the seller why you’re the ideal candidate to take ownership of their cherished home. It’s usually a written document, and it’s not unlike a cover letter to a resume when you apply for a job—it’s your one opportunity to make a lasting impression, both in terms of your offer’s value and your suitability as the buyer.

While every sample offer letter to purchase property will look slightly different, here’s a preview of what ours looks like, which you can download for free here .

Why do I need a property offer letter?

While a competitive price is undoubtedly a significant factor when wooing the seller (especially in the current housing market), real estate transactions aren’t solely about money .

Many homeowners share a deep emotional connection to their properties, and they want to ensure their prized possession goes to someone who will cherish and look after them the same way they did. So while writing an offer letter for a house isn’t a legal necessity , it is your chance to convince the seller to consider your offer, even if it isn’t the highest.

Your property offer letter should strike a balance between professionalism and personal touch, showcasing your sincerity. Basically, it’s an opportunity to show the seller that their home will be in good hands.

What should you include in your house offer letter?

While there’s no fixed legal requirement regarding the contents of your letter of offer in real estate, most follow a standard format . Using a sample offer letter to purchase property can help ensure you cover all the essential bases for crafting an effective offer letter. Here’s what most free house offer letter templates include…

Personal details of the seller

This is the person whose property you want to buy and whom you’d like to impress, so we recommend you address your letter to the owner personally and include their physical address.

The bottom line

Although the vendor is probably already aware of the financial details of your offer, it’s essential to include the price you’re offering to pay for the property. You don’t need to worry about mentioning property taxes or other additional fees at this stage—just the bottom line, which is how much cold hard cash you’re offering to pay the seller.

When and how do you plan to pay

By informing the seller when you plan on paying what amount, you show them that you’re a serious buyer with a clear plan to finance your purchase. This can help reassure the owner that you’re a trustworthy buyer. It also just demonstrates that you mean business and that you have a plan in place should they accept your real estate offer letter.

Clauses of conditionality or exclusivity

If your offer will be subject to certain conditions or you’d like to negotiate a period of exclusivity , it’s important to include this information in your offer letter. For example, if your offer will be subject to a home inspection , mention this in your letter.

Offer validity date

By setting a validity date typically between 5 to 15 days , you encourage the buyer to make a decision quickly, avoiding the insecurity and headaches of a drawn-out bidding process.

Create a personal connection  

Share a bit about yourself and your enthusiasm for the property. Discuss what you appreciate about the home , how you envision your life there, and your excitement about joining the neighborhood. Find common ground to connect with the seller.

But play it safe. Now is not the time to mention your collection of pet snakes or that the home lends itself perfectly to all-night parties .

Show your appreciation for the home

Telling the owner how much you love their home by including some details you loved and what attracted you to the property in the first place adds a nice touch. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and complimented for their excellent taste. Of course, the caveat here is: Don’t overdo it and be genuine. Fake praise leaves a bad taste.

Try to relate to the owner

As with many transactions, establishing a personal connection with the seller could count in your favor. Make a mental note of anything you see during your home viewings that could help you connect with the owner. For example, if they have a dog, mention that you think the house will be perfect for your dog too.

What should you NOT include in your letter to buy a house?

By using a house offer letter template , you’ll not only sidestep common pitfalls but also ensure that your intention to purchase a home is conveyed effectively and professionally. However, let’s take a look at what you should definitely steer clear of when composing your letter to guarantee the best chance of success.

Too much information about your financial status

Avoid explaining the intricacies of your financial situation beyond the offer price and deposit. Excessive financial information can complicate negotiations and, depending on the circumstances of the purchase and how many details you give, can make it look like you’re hiding or overcompensating for something.

Any kind of criticism

Now is not the time to talk about how much you hate the wallpaper color or how you plan to knock out a few walls to make the house feel less cramped. Show appreciation for the home and avoid criticizing the owner’s style.

Contradictions

Even though the property offer letter isn’t a legally binding contract, you want to be sure that if things go well and you sign a purchase agreement, there are no surprises for the vendor . It could cause them to lose faith in you.

Pushy or aggressive language

Yes, you’re trying to sell yourself—but avoid sounding too pushy or competitive. Try to persuade the owner that you’re the right person without criticizing the competitors or bragging about your financial situation. Remember, your letter is more about persuasion than a hard sell.

Avoid sounding desperate

Maintain your composure and confidence. Desperation can give the seller the upper hand.

FAQ about real estate offer letters

Take a look at any free sample offer letter to purchase property, and you’ll see that you can write this letter in various ways. The best way to write a successful one that makes your offer stand out from the crowd is to become an expert in writing offer letters . To help you with that, we’ve tried to answer some questions you may still have on the topic below.

Can a real estate offer letter be sent via email?

Although it’s standard to send a real estate offer letter as a physical document, most people accept email offer letters these days, too. Depending on who you’re working with, a written letter might convey more professionalism and respect.

Does a real estate agent need to be involved?

No, you can submit the home offer letter yourself. However, real estate agents bring market (and off-marke t) expertise and negotiation skills to the table, making their involvement worth considering.

Is an accepted offer binding, or can the seller still walk away?

Once the seller accepts your offer to purchase a property, they can’t back out unless specific conditions are not met, such as a failure to pay the deposit or meet other contract stipulations.

Can you make an offer on a house that is under contract?

Absolutely. There are several instances when sales don’t go through. For example, when the payment conditions are not met. However, as explained above, the seller can’t consider an alternative offer while the property is still under contract.

Sample offer letter to purchase property

At Lodgify , our goal is to make your life as a vacation rental owner or aspiring property owner as effortless as possible. That’s why we work hard to provide you with all the tools you need to establish and manage your business. As promised, we offer a customizable sample offer letter to purchase property in PDF . Download it, make it your own, and set the wheels in motion for snagging your dream property.

Once you’ve secured the sale using our house offer template, and you’re ready to embark on your vacation rental business journey, explore our vacation software solutions to simplify the setup and management of your venture.

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How To Write A Home Offer Letter That Wins Sellers Over

• Post category: Home buyers / Real estate

How To Write A Letter To Buy a House?

• Personalize the letter: Start by addressing the seller by name, if possible. This will immediately make your letter stand out and show that you took the time to research the property and the seller.
• Express your interest: Begin the house offer letter by expressing your genuine interest in the property. Describe the home features you love and explain why it is the perfect fit for you and your family.
• Share your story: Give the seller an idea of who you are by sharing a bit about yourself and your family. This could include your occupation, hobbies, and why you want to move there. By providing a glimpse into your life, you are humanizing yourself to the seller and making it easier for them to relate to you.
• Explain your offer: Clearly and concisely, including the price, contingencies, and other essential details. Be honest about any potential challenges you may face in the buying process, such as selling your current home or having a tight timeline for moving.
• Be flexible: Show the seller that you are willing to work with them by being flexible with your offer. This could include offering a quick closing date or being open to negotiating on specific aspects of the sale.
• Show financial stability: Sellers want to know that you are a serious buyer capable of securing the home’s financing. Include a pre-approval letter from your lender and mention any other relevant financial details, such as a large down payment or a strong credit score.
• Be sincere and genuine: Throughout the letter, be sincere and genuine in your tone. Avoid overly formal language or exaggerated claims about your love for the property. Instead, focus on being truthful and heartfelt in your writing.
• Keep it brief: Keep your letter to no more than one page. This will ensure that it is easy for the seller to read and digest your message, increasing the chances that they will respond positively to your offer.
• Use Ai Assistant tool to help you and make a house offer letter template including a cover letter. 
• Proofread and edit: Before sending your letter, proofread and edit it. This will help to ensure that your message is clear and free of any errors that could detract from its overall impact.
• Include a personal touch: Include a photo of yourself and your family with the letter if possible. This will help to personalize your house offer letter further and make it easier for the seller to connect with you on an emotional level.

By following these tips, you can craft a compelling home offer letter that will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of securing your dream home.

By George Nicola (Expert Stager)

Table of contents.

Crafting an effective yet compelling offer letter ensures your offer stands a chance against other potential buyers.

This article will provide readers with a house offer letter template and example, guidelines, and insights into writing a captivating home offer letter with Ai Assistants that will capture sellers’ attention and win them over. 

Picture this: You’ve been searching far and wide for the ideal house that could become your forever home; long-term memories are made here. After months of hard work, you finally find yourself standing before it – the dream abode that fits all your needs and desires!

Now comes the tricky part – making sure everyone else knows why they should pick you as their buyer. That’s where writing an enticing offer letter comes in handy! 

When done right, an eye-catching proposal offer letter for a house can persuade even the most reluctant seller.

However, there is no formulaic approach when drafting such letters – each must be tailored specifically for individual circumstances.

(Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or real estate advice. The content reflects the author’s opinions and experiences [offer letter to seller and how to write offer letter]. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, Tallbox provides no warranties regarding the information and is not liable for any actions taken based on it. Consult a professional before making real estate decisions.)

Read also: Maximize Your Advantage: Strategies for Effective Counter Offers in Real Estate .

Is it legal to write a home offer letter to the seller?

It is not illegal for prospective home buyers to compose heartfelt letters to property sellers. Nevertheless, affectionately known as “ buyer love letters “, these amorous epistles can inadvertently entangle sellers in the complex web of fair housing regulations.

Three critical points regarding buyer love letters and fair housing laws are:

1. Federal and local legislation: The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability. Additionally, various state and local governments extend these protections to include other categories such as age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and military status.

2. Discriminatory decision-making: Critics argue that buyer love letters may encourage discriminatory practices by revealing information about the buyer’s protected characteristics. Consequently, if a seller selects an offer based on these factors rather than price and terms, they risk violating fair housing laws.

3. Necessary precautions: Listing agents should meticulously document all offers received and note the seller’s justifiable rationale for accepting one over another to mitigate potential infringements. Meanwhile, buyers should focus their correspondence on expressing admiration for the property, steering clear of personal details.

In conclusion, while penning a tender message to a home seller remains within the bounds of legality, caution must be exercised to circumvent transgressions of fair housing statutes. By adhering to these guidelines, both parties can navigate the intricate landscape of property acquisition with confidence and innovation.

Is it legal to use Ai Assistant for to write an offer letter for a house?

AI writing assistants as a helpful starting point but not a final authority is essential.

Using an AI assistant to help draft an offer letter for a house is generally legal. AI tools like ChatGPT or Bard assist in organizing and generating text based on the information you provide without breaking any laws.

However, it’s essential to ensure that the content of your offer letter is accurate and relevant, reflects your intention as the buyer, and adheres to any local regulations or requirements in the real estate market where you’re making the purchase. 

• Always double-check and verify any information an AI tool provides for accuracy before sending your offer letter.

Keep in mind that although using AI-generated content is not illegal, relying entirely on such tools without proper review could cause misunderstandings or result in a less-than-ideal outcome.

If you have concerns about legal matters related to buying property or drafting documents related to real estate transactions, consult with a qualified attorney or real estate specialist familiar with local laws and regulations.

Letter to Buy vs. Home Offer: What's the Difference?

The main differences between a letter to buy a house and a home offer letter are:

Letter To Seller To Buy a House:

• More informal in tone, essentially expressing interest in purchasing the home.
• Personalize the letter by addressing the seller directly. This makes it feel less generic.
• Express your enthusiasm and interest in the specific property. Mention features that drew you to it and why it’s perfect for your needs.
• Share details that humanize you, such as hobbies, career, family size, etc. This helps the seller relate to you.
• Doesn’t contain specifics like price, financing, etc.
• Provide proof of funds if possible.
• Goal is to introduce yourself and start a conversation with the sellers.
• Use a sincere, polite tone and avoid pushy language. You want to win them over, not turn them off.

Home Offer Letter to Buy a House:

• Official written offer with specific terms and details.
• Includes purchase price, desired closing date, contingencies, earnest money deposit, etc.
• Specify your offered purchase price and confirm you have been pre-approved for a mortgage.
• Highlight any special terms you can offer, like a flexible closing date, waived contingencies, escalation clause , etc.
• May require supporting documents like pre-approval letter.
• Serves as a contract if accepted by the sellers.

When submitting an offer letter for a property, it is key to make it compelling and persuasive to the seller. This involves more than just stating your proposed purchase price – though that is obviously a critical component.

Here are some tips for crafting an effective offer letter to a seller:

• A letter to buy is an introduction and invitation to discuss a potential sale.
• A home offer letter contains the concrete terms of the proposed purchase.
• Proofread thoroughly before sending. Any errors could undermine your professionalism.

The letter to buy would typically precede an official home offer letter. The letter allows you to establish contact and gauge the sellers’ willingness to sell before presenting an official offer with all legal and financial details spelled out.

How To Write A Letter To Buy a House (Example)

July 16, 2023

John and Jane Doe 123 Main St. Anytown, CA 12345

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Doe,

My name is [your name] and I’m writing to express my interest in purchasing your home at 123 Main St. in Anytown. I had the opportunity to view your property on [date] and I was very impressed with the condition of the home and all of its wonderful features.

After reviewing comparable properties in the area, I would like to offer $[offer amount] for the purchase of your home. I am pre-approved for a mortgage and can provide you with a letter from my lender upon request.

If you find this offer acceptable, I am prepared to move forward. My ideal closing date would be [date] but I’m flexible on the timeline. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a time to discuss further details.

Thank you for considering my offer. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

[Your name] [Your phone number] [Your email]

Home Offer Letter Template (Example)

Dear [Seller’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. My family and I are writing to express our genuine interest in your beautiful home at [property address]. We were instantly captivated by its charm, the thoughtful layout of the rooms, and the lovely backyard that would be perfect for our children to play in. It is clear that you have taken great care of this home, and we can imagine ourselves building a lifetime of memories within its walls.

A little about us: my name is [Your Name] and I work as a [profession]. My spouse, [Spouse’s Name], is a [profession], and we have [number of children] wonderful children who are excited about the prospect of living in your home. We are a close-knit family who enjoys spending time together, whether it’s exploring local parks, cooking meals, or playing board games. We are drawn to [name of the neighborhood] because of its welcoming community, excellent schools, and proximity to our workplaces.

We are excited to present an offer of [offer amount] for your property. We understand that this may not be the highest offer, but we are confident that our financial stability and genuine love for your home make us the right choice. We have been pre-approved for a mortgage by our lender, and we are prepared to provide a down payment of [down payment amount]. Additionally, we have a strong credit score and a history of responsible financial management.

In terms of flexibility, we are open to negotiating on certain aspects of the sale, and we are able to close on the property within [timeframe]. We understand that this may be a bittersweet moment for you as you part with your home, and we want to assure you that we will cherish it as much as you have.

Enclosed with this letter is a pre-approval letter from our lender, as well as a photo of our family. We hope that this will help you put a face to our names and see the love and excitement we have for your home. We believe that our family is the perfect fit for this property, and we hope that you will consider our offer.

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the possibility of calling your beautiful house our home. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Warmest regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Mortgage Offer Letter Template (Example)

[Seller Name] [Seller Address]

Dear [Seller Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am writing to submit an offer to purchase your home located at [Property Address].

I am pre-approved for a mortgage by [Lender Name] for $[Loan Amount], as evidenced by the enclosed pre-approval letter. This pre-approval demonstrates my financial ability to obtain financing for this purchase.

For your property, I am pleased to offer a purchase price of $[Offer Amount]. I am prepared to move quickly and can close on [Date] or within __ days of an accepted offer.

To show my commitment to purchasing your home, I have attached a check for $____ as earnest money to be held in escrow until closing.

I look forward to hearing back from you regarding my offer. Please let me know if you would like to discuss or negotiate any of the proposed terms. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of making this house my home.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Enclosures:

• Pre-Approval Letter
• Proof of Funds
• Earnest Money Check

This provides an example of how a buyer can formally present their property offer letter and mortgage pre-approval details to a seller when making a bid on a property.

The template covers the key components of a strong offer letter.

Definition Of Home Offer Letter

A home offer letter is a written document that outlines the potential buyer’s desire to purchase a property.

It includes the buyer’s personal information, their desired purchase price and terms, and any contingencies they may have in mind.

This letter serves as open communication between the seller and prospective buyers, giving both parties a better understanding of each other before signing contracts or making commitments. 

House offer letters allow buyers to express their enthusiasm for the property while highlighting why it would benefit them to complete the purchase.

It also gives sellers insight into who is interested in buying their house and provides enough information to decide who they want to work with.

By writing this type of letter, buyers can show sellers how serious they are about purchasing the property and increase their chances of having their offer accepted. 

Benefits Of Writing A Home Offer Letter

Writing a home offer letter is like painting a beautiful picture. It takes time, patience, and skill to craft the perfect masterpiece that will speak to potential sellers on an emotional level.

• Home offer letters have their unique advantages in the real estate market. 

For starters, crafting an effective home offer letter allows buyers to stand out from other prospective purchasers who may also be interested in the same property.

• By writing a compelling letter, buyers can make their offers more attractive to sellers by conveying why they are passionate about purchasing this particular house and what it means for them as individuals or families looking for a place to call home.

Additionally, an offer letter allows buyers to communicate effectively with sellers through personal stories and life experiences, ultimately making them more relatable and appealing than just presenting facts and figures alone. 

Writing an offer letter lets buyers showcase their commitment and dedication toward purchasing while highlighting any special financial considerations,  such as down payment assistance programs or closing cost credits that could benefit negotiations.

Should multiple bids be placed on one property, writing a powerful yet respectful offer letter can often help sway decision-makers when selecting among them .

Ultimately, taking the time to compose a personalized home offer letter has tremendous benefits that cannot be overlooked if buyers want success securing their dream homes. Research into the property and its surrounding neighborhood becomes paramount before submitting any final offers. 

We can help you design your future property before you buy it. Free estimate >

Researching The Property And Neighborhood

A property purchase is more than just acquiring a house; it also involves investing in the surrounding neighborhood. Thus, conducting thorough research on an area before making such a long-term commitment becomes imperative.

Here are some key steps to effectively investigate a neighborhood before purchasing a home:

Online Exploration: In recent years, developers and estate agents have improved their digital presence, providing comprehensive descriptions of properties and community information.

Utilize Google Maps to assess local businesses, green spaces, and potential traffic congestion. Engage with social media platforms for insights into recurring issues or concerns voiced by residents.

Property Value Trends: Analyzing fluctuations in property values within the vicinity can shed light on its development history and investment viability. Consult local experts for advice regarding street-by-street trends and regional growth patterns.

Future Planning Inquiry: Seek information from local agencies about potential developments or projects that may affect property values, traffic, and pollution levels. Additionally, consider how new transportation links might impact the area’s desirability over time.

Neighbourhood Walks: Taking multiple strolls around the locale offers unique perspectives not usually observed when driving through.

Visiting local businesses or cafes enables one to gauge the overall atmosphere while walking during various times of day, helps establish comfort levels, and evaluates whether the environment aligns with personal preferences.

• Engaging with current residents and testing out daily commutes play vital roles in understanding the true essence of a neighborhood.
• Consulting friends and family or using apps like Nextdoor can provide valuable firsthand experiences of living in the area.
• Simulating daily travel routines allows for a realistic assessment of commuting factors such as route amenities, school zones, and traffic flow.
• Contact local experts for assistance and guidance throughout this crucial process when considering a move.

A well-researched neighborhood exploration can lead to a successful property investment and an improved quality of life.

Home Offer Letter - Opening Paragraph

Before everything starts with a draft if not lots of drafts.

This may sound silly and somewhat degrading, but if you want to impress the sellers, your house letter is your best chance the acceptance of your offer on the property.

According to recent surveys, 84% of homebuyers believe a personal connection with the seller is essential when submitting an offer. Crafting an opening paragraph for your home offer letter can make all the difference in creating this desired connection and winning over sellers. 

Start by introducing yourself and providing basic information such as where you live or your family type.

Make sure to emphasize that you are serious about buying their house and provide evidence of your financial story if necessary. This will help establish trust between you and the seller from the get-go. 

Next, explain why you chose their property from so many others on the market. Describe any features that stood out to you or made it feel like home. 

Mentioning things like “We love how close it is to our children’s school” or “The large backyard was perfect for our dog” reveals your intentions beyond pure pricing tactics. 

Genuinely acknowledge any unique qualities and express gratitude for them considering your offer – this will go a long way! 

Use AI assistant or Chat GPT to make a draft house offer letter template (for free)

It’s no secret AI has gotten into our lives. For now, you are reading this; we’re mere months into the AI taking the planted by storm.

For this to work, you need to know a few essential things about how to make a house offer letter example with AI:

• AI assistants are still developing, often providing false information to satisfy the end goal.
• Be hyper-instructional, and spend time writing the instructions.
• Test at least two different AI assistants like Bard or Chat GPT 4
• If you don’t know where to start, ask the AI (how to write a letter for a house offer).
• Ask to give (a sample offer letter for a house)
• Ask the AI to provide you with an example of a house offer cover letter.
• Ask the AI what to include in an offer letter for a house
• Ask to help you with more questions you need to answer, and based on these, form your questions and instructions.

1. Gather important details about the house, including: a. Your name and contact information b. Seller’s name and contact information c. Property address d. Offer price you’re willing to pay e. Additional terms (closing date, inspection contingencies, etc.)

Feed this information into an AI writing tool like ChatGPT or Bard.

Once the AI writing assistant has your information, it will draft your offer letter. This draft will be based on your provided information and the assistant’s understanding of the real estate market.

2. Read and amend:

Feed the information, for example, what you want to change, ask the AI assistant to improve, and generate a new draft.

3. Prepare a concise outline of your offer letter:

Re-read and draw another draft if needed. Ask the assistant to create an outline and read how it sounds; this can be used as a cover letter.

4. Ask the AI assistant to pretend to be a seller or real estate agent and ask you questions:

Answer any questions from the bot to help further improve the draft:

– Why are you interested in this house? – What do you like about the property? – When would you like to close on the house? 6. Review the generated draft from the AI writing tool:

7. Push for improvements from the bot if needed until it meets your satisfaction level

8. Proofread thoroughly for any errors before sending it to the seller.

Remember these tips while feeding data and reviewing drafts:

– Be clear and concise. – State only essential points like offer prices and additional terms. – Maintain politeness and professionalism in the tone of the letter. – Proofread carefully before sharing it with others.

Remember, AI assistants are not perfect. Use their help as a starting point only!

Explaining Your Story

Explaining your story as the buyer is essential when writing a compelling home offer letter. By doing so, you can create an emotional connection with the seller and demonstrate that this purchase is more than just an investment for you; it’s about making memories in the home of your dreams. 

Share details such as your family background, why this property appeals to you, and your lifestyle – what aspects make it unique from other homes you have seen?

Your purchase motivation should be clearly stated, whether because of its proximity to good schools or simply because this house feels like home.

Describe how living here will positively impact your life – allowing you to build roots in the community, entertain friends and family members, etc. This approach helps sellers understand why they are selling their home to you specifically and not someone else. 

Demonstrating Your Finances

When buying a home , sellers seek buyers who can demonstrate financial capabilities. Showcasing and verifying your financial resources with the proper documents is essential in convincing a seller that you’re serious about purchasing their property. 

• Your credit score assessment will be critical in proving your financial capacity. A solid credit history shows you have responsibly managed debt, making lenders more likely to grant you additional loans or mortgages.
• You should provide documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and other relevant information to verify your ability to make monthly payments on any loan to purchase the house.
• Providing proof of savings or other assets that could help cover expenses associated with the home’s sale is also beneficial. 

By demonstrating your finances through verification documents, you’ll gain credibility and trust from the seller while increasing your chances of securing the deal.

With this vital part of the home buying process complete, it’s time to understand the pricing and negotiation tactics necessary to make an offer that stands out. 

Proof of funds letter for real estate purchase (example)

Here is a sample proof of funds letter for a real estate purchase:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to provide verification of available funds for the purchase of [Property Address and Description].

As evidenced by the enclosed account statement, I have $300,000 in available funds that can be used for this real estate transaction. This exceeds the purchase price of $275,000 for the property located at [Address, City, State, Zip Code].

The source of these funds is from my savings and investments, including stocks, bonds, and bank accounts. I certify that these funds are available immediately for use toward the purchase of the above property.

If additional verification is needed, please feel free to contact me directly or reach out to my financial advisor listed below.

[Financial Advisor Name] [Company] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

I look forward to moving forward with the purchase of this property. If you have any other questions or need more information, do not hesitate to let me know. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email]

Enclosures: [Bank Statement] [Other Financial Statements]

Understanding Pricing And Negotiation Tactics

When making a home offer, understanding pricing and negotiation tactics is essential. A comparative market analysis (CMA) will help you determine your offer’s best price.

This allows you to ensure that your bid is fair and reasonable compared to recent sales in the area. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the current market conditions when negotiating; if there are multiple offers on a property, then bidding higher may increase your chances of acceptance. 

It’s also important to know how long your offer will be valid before the expiration date, as this can affect its likelihood of being accepted or rejected by sellers.

Knowing the average offer acceptance rate in the area can give you insight into what type of timeline works best for sellers and allow you to adjust accordingly. Ultimately, these strategies put buyers in a better position to win over their desired properties. 

Making A Personal Connection

Creating a personal connection with the seller is essential to a compelling offer letter.

Building a rapport by expressing genuine interest in the property and demonstrating knowledge of its features can be meaningful for sellers emotionally connected to their homes.

In addition, it’s essential to make a trustworthy impression that conveys your commitment to seeing the transaction through. 

When writing an offer letter, incorporate emotional appeal by sharing why you love the house and what makes it unique for you and your family.

A few sentences about how much you appreciate all that this house has to offer may help build trust between both parties involved in the process.

Showing respect for the seller’s situation is also key, as they will likely respond favorably if they feel heard and understood. Making a personal connection can go a long way to winning over sellers! 

Structuring The Letter Properly

When crafting a compelling home offer letter, the first step is to ensure that it’s properly structured.

A well-formatted letter helps to show respect and professionalism, which can be critical in convincing sellers to accept your offer.

When discussing letter structure, think about the overall format of the letter as well as its outline, organization, and layout. 

• Start by introducing yourself or your family so the seller has some context for who you are.
• Provide a brief overview of why you like their property and what features stand out most.
• Discuss how this property aligns with your long-term plans, such as starting a family or expanding your business operations.
• Make sure that each point flows logically from one sentence to the next, and use language that conveys warmth and sincerity throughout.

This will help make an emotional connection with the seller while they review your letter and consider accepting your offer. 

Including Supporting Documents

An offer letter can be persuasive to sellers, especially with supporting documents such as a mortgage pre-approval letter, bank statements, investment portfolio, and an escalation clause.

The escalation clause is a provision in the home offer that expresses the buyer’s willingness to increase their bid if another prospective buyer submits a higher offer. This helps secure their position in the competitive real estate market.

Including these documents showcases the buyer’s solid financial situation and readiness to back up their offer with proof of funds.

It is crucial that these attachments detail closing costs and financing plans for the purchase, further convincing sellers of the buyer’s preparedness for a successful sale.

When assembling these documents, buyers must ensure accuracy and completeness. Mistakes or omissions could lead to delays or rejection; therefore, it is advisable to double-check everything before submitting your offer letter.

To ensure nothing gets overlooked during this process, consider having another person review all information provided before sending it off. Including an escalation clause and other essential supporting documents in your home offer letter package gives you a better chance at securing your dream property in today’s competitive market.

Read more: Guide On Escalation Clause In Real Estate

Proofreading And Editing

Once the home offer letter is complete, it’s time to proofread and edit. Proofreading will help ensure that all grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors are corrected before sending in your final draft. There are a few tips for making sure you get the most out of your proofreading efforts.

First, read through the entire document slowly with an eye towards catching mistakes or potential improvements. It can also be helpful to use a grammar checker if available. Take some time to make sure any typos have been fixed and that there aren’t any awkward phrases or sentences included in the letter.

Finally, ask another person to look over your letter  – often times they’ll catch something that was missed during the initial review process! 

With these easy steps, you’ll be able to send off a perfect home offer letter that captures sellers’ attention and makes them feel like they belong in their new home right away. 

Sending Your Final Draft

Once you’ve completed your offer letter, it’s time to send a final draft for review. This document will be submitted with your bid, so ensure every detail is accounted for and presented in an organized fashion.

It should contain all the necessary information about yourself, such as why you are interested in their home, what type of loan you plan on getting, and any other pertinent details. 

Before sending off your final letter draft, please review it to ensure everything is accurate and professionally written.

Have someone else read it, too – they can provide valuable insight into parts of the text that may need adjustment or clarification before submitting your bid. Once confident in what’s been written, submit your final draft to the seller. 

Following Up With The Seller

Once you have sent off your offer letter, following up with the seller is essential. This will show them that you are serious about wanting to purchase their property and also allow them to ask any questions they may have.

Following up can be done in various ways, such as by phone or email. The key here is to keep communication open while not being overly intrusive. 

It’s recommended that you check in at least once after submitting your letter of intent but avoid calling too frequently as this could be desperate or annoying. Instead, it’s best practice to chat every few days with the seller so they know there has been no change in your interest level. 

Explain why following up benefits both parties and how it can help move the process forward quickly if needed. In addition, catching up with the seller occasionally helps build trust between parties, which can make negotiating more successful. 

Responding To A Counteroffer

When responding to a counteroffer, the homebuyer needs to keep in mind that their offer is part of an ongoing negotiation . 

While price is undoubtedly an essential factor, it’s not always the only one; other terms, such as the closing date and contingencies, can be just as influential. It’s also essential to remain professional and courteous, even if negotiations become heated. 

The homebuyer should consider all aspects of the seller’s counteroffer before formulating their response.

If some points are negotiable, but others must stay fixed, they must be communicated clearly so both parties understand where they stand.

By working together cooperatively with respect and understanding, both sides will leave the negotiation feeling satisfied – and ready to close the deal! 

Read more: How To Real Estate Counter Offer To A Home Buyer

Closing The Deal

Once the counteroffer is accepted, it’s time to close the deal. This involves signing a contract and reaching an agreement that both parties are happy with. The best way to do this is by negotiating terms in good faith.

When discussing terms, be good and open communication to find common ground. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear or offer alternative solutions if needed. 

When negotiating, remember that all parties need to feel they have received a fair outcome for sale to go through successfully.

Once all of the details have been finalized and agreed upon, it’s time for both sides to sign the contract and finalize the sale. With everyone on board, your compelling home offer letter will become official! 

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

Whether drafting an offer letter or a letter of interest, thoughtfully crafted home-buying correspondence can make all the difference. Succinctly convey your enthusiasm and qualification to purchase the property. 

With research, tailored language, and prompt response to counters, you can distinguish your bid. 

A well-written letter shows you are serious, organized, and ready to close, ideally on your dream home. 

Put your best foot forward in writing, and you’ll likely end up exactly where you want to be – settled in your new place.

7 MUST-HAVE SHOTS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER LISTINGS

How "we buy houses" investors write compelling offers.

The most compelling letters combine urgency, convenience, and activated motivators with tangible offer terms and demonstration of buyer reputation and capability.

Here are some tips for how “we buy houses” investors write compelling offers to homeowners:

• Emphasize speed and convenience – Highlight the ability to buy quickly, in as-is condition, without repairs or showings.
• Use urgency creating language – Phrases like “act fast” or “cash ready buyers waiting” help create interest.
• Tout experience and reputation – Mention years in business, number of purchases, and customer reviews to build trust.
• Note local focus and neighborhood expertise – Familiarity with the area and demand for homes like theirs adds credibility.
• Provide specific details upfront – Concrete information on price, closing date, contingencies etc. shows seriousness.
• Illustrate end-to-end support – Outline their full service process guiding owners seamlessly through sale.
• Address common seller challenges – Reference solutions to issues like inherited or vacant homes that are hard to maintain and sell.
• Spotlight tax benefits – For some sellers, selling below market value may offer tax savings that they highlight.
• Push emotional motivators – Urgency to sell due to relocation, illness, divorce etc. may incentivize homeowners.
• Leverage market comparisons – Comparable values and trends provide sellers context on offers.

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The importance of the homebuyer’s offer cover letter

Posted by ft Editorial Staff | Feb 2, 2016 | Marketing Flyers , Real Estate | 1

In a highly competitive buyer’s real estate market, buyers and buyer’s agents turn to the offer cover letter to personalize the homebuying process and distinguish their offer in the seller’s mind.

Cover letters and the competitive market

Consider a first-time homebuyer searching for a house for their family. They find their dream home in the perfect neighborhood but their agent informs them multiple offers have already been submitted. In order to make their offer stand out from the rest, their agent recommends they write an offer cover letter explaining their situation as a way to connect emotionally with the seller.

The offer cover letter , also known as the buyer’s letter to the seller , is a tool many agents suggest to their clients as a means of gaining an advantage in the homebuying process. More popular in previous decades, offer cover letters are making a comeback  as the real estate market rebounds and competition increases.

A recent study on the bidding wars  in the real estate market found properties for sale are met with competing offers at least 60% of the time. In Los Angeles, buyers are bidding against each other in 76% of listings; in San Francisco the number is 94%. The same study found 43% of the winning offers made on competitive properties used offer cover letters in conjunction with a strong bid.

Informed agents know a buyer’s letter to the seller is no guarantee an offer will be accepted, but it can be the perfect vehicle for distinguishing their offer in a sea of similar bids on a dwindling number of highly-coveted homes. When dealing with competing offers, a similar bid grabs attention, but a well-crafted letter to the seller seals the deal.

Perfecting the offer cover letter

All offer cover letters follow the same basic formula. However, their effectiveness is determined by how the formula is personalized. With a focus on individualization in mind, buyer’s agents need to inform their clients that successful letters to the seller contain the following:

• a brief biography of the buyer and their family;
• what the buyer loves about the home;
• why the location is perfect for them; and
• pictures of their family to personalize.

Along with these four essentials, buyers benefit most by adhering to this advice:

Know your audience. If the house is owned by a bank or an investor, chances are slim the offer cover letter will have any effect. These letters are meant for people open to the possibility of connecting with the person or family who buys their home. Banks and investors are only open to the possibility of making the most money.

Be genuine and sincere . Everything in the offer cover letter is designed to make an emotional connection with the person selling their home. This is impossible to accomplish without being polite and authentic. The goal is to have the seller recognize the buyer as an actual human being and not just another name on a piece of paper. Sellers, especially those who have lived in the same house for many years, want to know their home will be taken care of by the person who buys it — a feeling which needs to permeate the writing. If after reading the letter the seller thinks “these are such great people, I’m okay with accepting the second highest offer,” then the buyer has succeeded.

Paint an emotional picture . As cover letters rise in popularity, sellers will become more discerning about the letter they allow to sway them. In other words, writing a letter about how quaint the kitchen is won’t be enough — five other potential buyers have already done that. Instead, when a buyer describes what they like about a seller’s home, their letter needs to convey the buyer’s vision of seeing their family enjoy spending lazy weekends together sitting in the breakfast nook. The letter may also mention the buyer envisioning themselves walking their children to the nearby park or watching them play hockey in the cul-de-sac. This gives the seller a sense of comfort knowing the new buyer will appreciate their home before they decide to sell to them.

Learn about shared interests with the seller . If both the buyer and the seller like to garden, the letter may mention what flowers or vegetables the buyer might like to plant near the patio. If the buyer is a soccer family and they notice a framed jersey during the walkthrough, the letter can mention how much the buyer’s daughter will enjoy practicing soccer in the backyard.

Keep it short . One page is enough. The letter is most effective when it does not overwhelm the seller with information — a long letter may come off as desperate.

After spending the time tailoring the letter to the seller, buyers need to ensure it makes a good impression. This is accomplished by printing the letter on high-quality paper and delivering it in a full-sized envelope.

Sample offer cover letters

Here are some templates for arranging offer cover letters. Sample offer cover letter text is included. Follow the links below to download the customizable templates.

About The Author

ft Editorial Staff

is the production staff comprised of legal editor Fred Crane, writer-editors Connor P. Wallmark, Carrie B. Reyes, Amy Platero, David Swistock, consulting instructor Summer Goralik, graphic designer Mary LaRochelle, video instructor Bill Mansfield and video editors John Rojas, Quinn Stevenson and Jose Melendez Avila.

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Cover letters really do work. It personalizes and humanizes the sales process and makes your offer stand out against the rest of the ordinary offers.

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How to write an offer to purchase a house (that stands out and wins)

By Andrew C. • Updated: December 1, 2019 • 13 min read • Leave a Comment

K and I recently bought an investment property to house hack. This is the 4th post of a new series on strategy and tactics for how to house hack in an expensive market, using our own example as a case study.

In this post, I’ll share how we strategized and crafted our offer. I’ll also share the controversial strategy we used to hire our real estate agent , how we worked effectively with our agent despite conflicts of interest, and the lessons we learned from it all.

The importance of standing out

The strategy for writing an offer depends heavily on how competitive the market is. In a buyer’s market, much of my advice below won’t apply because, frankly, you don’t have to work as hard or impress as much to get your offer taken seriously.

But at time of this writing, most major real estate markets are seller’s markets, not buyer’s markets. Many have inventory shortages.

This causes competitive pressure as buyers try to take advantage of historically low interest rates, homeowners hold their homes for longer, and many buyers and investors seek to take half-decade long stock market gains off the table and diversify into more stable, inflation-hedging real estate.

In this environment, where buyers are clamoring for limited inventory, making your offer stand out is critical.

If you can afford to pay the highest price, you certainly have an advantage. But often paying the high price makes no economic sense whatsoever. Meaning, paying that price means there is no chance you’ll recoup your investment in any near-term timeframe.

On the flipside, if your price is too low, no amount of enhancement to your offer will help.

But if your offer isn’t the highest one, yet still reasonably competitive (e.g., within a few percent), you have a real chance to win. But you have to stand out.

This post focuses on that group of buyers.

What’s the best way to make your offer stand out?

(1) Get clear on who the seller is. Tailor accordingly. If your seller is an individual owner-occupier, you should use a very different approach vs. if they’re an investor and the unit is perhaps just one of many rental properties they own.

For investor sellers , making your offer stand out is actually really simple. The levers you can pull are:

• Submitting a “clean” offer with few or no conditions
• Ability to close quickly , within days vs. weeks or months
• Bringing lots of cash to the deal, either all-cash or low mortgage need (thereby reducing appraisal and financing risk)
• Getting your loan completely pre-underwritten, not just pre-approved or pre-qualified (banks in competitive markets allow this)
• Absorbing cost/work of dealing with renovations and repairs if seller doesn’t want to deal with them
• Agreeing to inherit existing tenants so seller does not have to evict
• Cooperating with seller’s 1031 exchange

Basically it comes down to minimizing seller hassle: you can remove the risk that you’ll back out or be unable to close, or remove the seller’s hassle of dealing with home repairs and preparing it for sale.

For owner-occupier or individual sellers , all the above levers still apply, plus you have some additional ones:

• Creating a highly personalized offer package (see how below)
• Tugging at seller’s heartstrings: showing you’ll take excellent care of the house just like they did, showing you want to build a life there long-term (e.g., raise your family there)
• Getting sellers to see a little bit of themselves in you

(2) If appropriate, create a multimedia offer package. This is only worth doing if the seller is a person (doesn’t matter if they’re owner-occupier or investor). It’s not worth doing if the seller is an LLC or some kind of investment entity.

Either way, your offer should pull as many levers above as possible. But if the seller is a person, I recommend additionally including in your offer:

• A thoughtful cover letter that explains some combination of: (a) who you and your spouse are; (b) 2-3 specific reasons why you love the property; (c) how you hope to continue caring for the property just like the seller has done; (d) your vision for building a life and raising a family there (if you intend to owner-occupy). You get the idea. Show you care by going the extra mile. It matters.
• At least one happy “couples” photo pasted right above where your cover letter begins. Do this to put a face to your message. It’s a lot harder to say no to a smiling, earnest, hopeful couple whose endearing photograph is pasted at the top of the cover letter than it is to say no to a vanilla letter with just black and white text on it.

• A well-shot video uploaded to YouTube introducing yourselves and supplementing your cover letter. I recommend loosely scripting out your video talking points so it flows and has structure, but not memorizing it word for word. You don’t want to sound stilted or rehearsed. Leave enough flexibility to improvise and let your sincerity shine through.

Some people think recording a video is overkill. I don’t. It definitely helped us win our 4-plex, even though we were not the highest bidder.

It didn’t take long to put together, either. 20-30 min to think up / jot down talking points, another 15 min to record a few takes. Less than 1 hour total. And I’m pretty sure no one else took the time to do that. It made us stand out.

Plus, the video doesn’t have to be fancy. You can do it for cheap using your phone and a selfie stick , and then upload it directly to YouTube.

The purpose of doing video is to give the sellers a unique and better sense of you as a couple / future owner.

Much more than an earnest photo pasted on your cover letter, video puts a face and voice to your offer. It makes you more human. It makes you more relatable. And if you have a spouse by your side, it also conveys a family feeling.

In every way, video communicates more than a photo and letter ever could. If a picture is worth a thousand words, video is worth a thousand pictures.

But: even if you do video, still do a photo and cover letter. The seller may run into technical problems viewing. Or they may prefer printing and reading a letter. They may share your printed letter with their spouse, but not bother to share your video.

Ultimately, you don’t know how they prefer to engage, so you should “meet them where they are” by using multiple media formats to personalize your offer. Create as many chances as possible to make yourself seem more human and tug at their heartstrings.

(3) Consider hiring the seller’s agent to represent you…but watch your back. I decided to hire the seller’s agent to represent me for the 4-plex deal. There are many conflicts of interest that can hurt you by doing this, but the simple reason we did it is that we kept losing bids elsewhere.

We tried lots of different methods before deciding to hire the listing agent:

• Traditional agent. Our original agent was very good, very resourceful, responsive, extremely knowledgeable about the area. We liked working with him a lot and we wrote many offers with him. But we lost them all.
• I used to work at Redfin so I am very familiar with their brokerage model; many Redfin agents are good, but not all, and end of day my traditional agent was still better and more resourceful and tenacious than a Redfin agent.
• Open Listings had an interesting 50% refund model that provides nearly full service. But to interact with one of their agents, you must first upload all your financial documents and mortgage approval. So basically only serious buyers can talk with their agents, not casual browsers. I found their agents to be competent if given explicit instructions, but they were not very creative or resourceful in making a deal happen.
• Finally, we tried Reali , a new SF-based brokerage startup that refunds 100% of the commission, minus a flat administrative fee. (In the Bay Area, houses are so expensive that the administrative fee isn’t material.) I found their agents to be underwhelming by every measure. Not insightful, not helpful. They say they are full service, but they’re really best suited for customers who do 100% of the legwork and simply need someone with a real estate license to officially write the offer. You get what you pay for, and in this case you’re paying simply to use their brokerage license as a rubber stamp for your offer. Like Open Listings, you have to upload your financial and mortgage approval docs before you can interact with one of their agents, and once your mortgage pre-approval expires, they stop interacting with you until you update it again.
• Get a real estate license? I briefly considered even just spending a weekend studying to get a real estate license, but pretty quickly ruled that out as ridiculous. It cost money to get a license, it takes several weeks’ processing time, and it wouldn’t fundamentally solve the problem I had: making my offer stand out.

So that’s why we decided to start asking listing agents to represent us as buyers and double dip both sides of the commission.

This is definitely an important reason why we won the 4-plex.

Advantages of hiring the listing agent

There are certain key advantages you get by letting the seller’s agent represent you. The most important one is that the agent is super incentivized to help you make the deal happen.

In our case, for example, the agent flowed a constant stream of info and updates to us right up to the offer deadline. He definitely nudged our offer to the top and positioned it super favorably to the sellers. He even delayed sharing a last-minute stealth cash offer he got right at the offer deadline which was actually higher than our offer.

In the end, there were 6 offers total. We were not the highest bidder. At least 2 offers came in higher. More than half were all-cash. At least 3 offers had short 2-week closes. I know the sellers wrestled hard with these other offers.

To be sure, I’m pretty certain we were the only buyers who invested the effort to send photos, video, and a cover letter. For 4-plexes, the buyers are almost always investors, usually LLCs.

We were lucky in this case because the sellers happened to be owner-occupiers, so our cover letter and video actually had an impact. Usually 4-plex sellers are investors who are not moved by emotional appeals.

But even with us going the extra mile, I still know the agent had a MUCH stronger incentive to push our offer given his chance to earn both commissions for the same amount of work.

I think that helped to tip us over the edge.

A double-edged sword: conflicts of interest

The big risk to having the listing agent represent you is the conflicts of interest involved.

The conflicts are many and ongoing and you can never completely trust your agent has your best interests in mind. You have to be especially careful and scrutinizing of anything they ask you to do.

In fact, unless the agent happens to be so well-established in the market that your deal makes no real difference to their personal bottom line, they’ll likely push to close the transaction even if it’s not good for either side.

Maybe the buyer didn’t offer the best price or terms. Or maybe the agent knew of a different house better fitting the buyer’s criteria but didn’t tell the buyer because the other house was represented by a different listing agent. Or maybe they played down the seriousness of a needed repair so the buyer wouldn’t get spooked and back out.

The more commission money is as stake, the more distorted the incentive is. And in very expensive competitive markets like the SF Bay Area or New York City, it can cause the agent to do some truly weird things.

In my case, our agent did things he should not have done that helped us. He also did things he should not have done that may have hurt us. I say “may have” because I’ll probably never know for sure.

Examples where the agent helped us

Example 1. When the seller’s agent receives offers from buyers, he isn’t supposed to share details of those offers with anyone but the seller, even if he’s representing one of the buyers. Otherwise it would be a breach of fiduciary duty.

But in our case, the agent freely shared offer prices, terms, cash vs. loan details, and contingencies with us for all the offers. This definitely gave us an edge. It allowed us to revise our offer to make it more competitive. We didn’t revise the price, but we did throw in some sweeteners, like a leaseback, which made it easier for the sellers to say “yes” to us.

Example 2. At the last minute before the offer deadline, the agent called and told us there was another offer that just came in at the wire $20k over list, all-cash, 2-week close. Five minutes before, the seller had emailed us a conditional acceptance on our offer if we agreed to a few final minor terms.

I say “conditional acceptance” but it actually wasn’t even official. The seller simply wrote us an email saying they would accept if we agreed to a few minor terms, but an official acceptance requires signing the offer contract itself because the contract is what actually contains the terms and conditions of the offer.

Despite no official acceptance, just an informal email “handshake,” the agent (who I’ll remind you was representing both of us) did not even share that last-minute $20k-over offer with the seller first. Instead, he told us about it first and urged us to reply to the seller’s conditional acceptance email quickly to accept the minor terms.

That’s really messed up.

While it helped us get the deal, it was pretty unfair to the sellers who were his clients too.

Examples where the agent hurt us

Above were things that made me question our agent’s agenda.

There were also things he did that could have hurt us.

For example, he pushed us to deposit the earnest money before we were legally required to. He also suggested we release the earnest money directly to the sellers, rather than hold it in escrow. And he pushed us to lift our contingencies before our agreed upon deadline.

I didn’t agree to any of these things because there was no reason to: the seller couldn’t unilaterally cancel once we were in contract. Yet the agent was basically trying to push us to lock ourselves in irreversibly even though there was no upside to us for doing so. (Upside for him, perhaps, but not us.)

It’s also possible the agent lied to us during the process. Maybe there was never actually a $20k-over offer. Or maybe he bent the truth a little regarding other offers he told us about, just so we’d sweeten our own offer and make it the best one for the seller. It’s even possible he shared details of our offer with other parties to get them to up their offers.

I’ll never be sure, but his actions gave me reason to suspect he didn’t always tell me the truth or deal straight with us.

What almost killed the entire deal

One conflict of interest almost tanked the deal. The agent pushed us to lift contingencies early, as I mentioned above, which was particularly annoying because at the time there was a potentially serious condition in the house we were investigating and we were trying to get expert contractor opinions.

The agent said he could save us time by arranging and scheduling contractors to come and do the inspection for us.

We were like, cool, thanks for doing that!

You know what he did?

He called his freaking dad who is a contractor to do the inspection.

Seriously…what the F? Who brings their dad to give an “impartial” opinion?

Even if his dad was impartial, surely he must understand it looks hella shady.

His contractor dad told us, “Oh, it’s not a serious problem at all.” Of course he has incentive to say that. He wants his son to close the sale and earn double commission.

But then his dad also said, “Hey, you should fix this. And my friend can do it for $13,000.”

Are you kidding me?

On top of issuing a clean “bill of health” to close the sale, in the same breath he also says it’s important to fix the issue and his friend just happens to be able to do it for $13k?

To add insult to injury, his agent son wants me to lift contingencies early on top of that?

I don’t think so.

I thanked the dad for his time and threw his recommendation straight into the trash.

Then I called a specialist to get a second opinion. The agent pushed me to lift contingencies again. This time I was blunt and called him out and told him that calling his contractor dad to do an inspection in the first place was an unacceptable conflict of interest, unethical, inappropriate, and I would never lift contingencies early no matter what.

The specialist couldn’t schedule an appointment on such short notice before the contingency deadline, so I ended up just sending him photos of the issue and talking on the phone with him.

He affirmed that, based on the photos, the issue was not a deal-breaker, and nothing bad would happen if I ignored the issue, and it would not get worse over time. But he said fixing it the right way would cost about $28k; there was no way to do it for $13k and he explained why step by step.

The $13k price from the dad’s friend was just some dude off the street who wasn’t a specialist in this type of repair.

I told the agent I could withstand up to $20k in unexpected repair costs but, since the issue hadn’t been disclosed in the disclosure reports, despite being obvious, I would need a credit back for the $8k excess the specialist quoted me in order to close the deal.

He pushed back (of course), saying his dad’s friend would do it for $13k, at which point I started getting impatient. I told him if he didn’t understand that I would never, ever even remotely consider hiring his dad or friend for the job, then we should part ways and call off the deal now.

We went back and forth but eventually the agent agreed to credit me back $7k to bridge the difference. It was a hard negotiation, but an important one. That’s what finally got us over the finish line and lifted our contingencies. We went ahead and at closing we got a $7k check back.

Throughout my interactions with him, I learned that when the agent is on both sides of the transaction, you have to be super skeptical about what they tell you.

There are conflicts of interest everywhere, and he may be incentivized to position or message things in a way that isn’t “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” So it’s all on you to do your own diligence and verification, because the agent in this situation won’t have your back.

They have a strong incentive to close the deal when both commissions are at stake. By contrast, your interest is in getting a good value house and not buying a property with fatal flaws.

So just know that if you decide to use the seller’s agent to represent you as a buyer, you may get certain advantages because the agent is motivated to nudge your offer harder. But you also have to push back firmly and liberally when things don’t feel right…and they will most likely not feel right at some point during the deal.

In the end, I simply focused my decision on whether I wanted the property, warts and all, based on the price and conditions we originally offered. As long as the numbers worked, with warts and all factored in, the answer was yes.

The numbers worked, so we closed the deal.

Up next: checklist of critical to-do items before closing to minimize rental vacancy

Next up, I’ll talk about the key tasks we did while waiting to close so that, once the deed transferred, we could hit the ground running, bring remodeling contractors in the very next day, and minimize rental vacancies .

Remember, time is money, so knowing how to get organized in those precious few days/weeks before closing is critical to managing the property efficiently and effectively and minimizing downtime.

Check out all the posts in this series:

• House Hacking San Francisco Bay Area style (how we’re creating real estate wealth by having others pay our mortgage on a multi-million dollar house)
• How to research real estate markets (the single best resource you need)
• How to do a residential property inspection step by step (what smart real estate investors look for)
• You are here:  How to write an offer to purchase a house (that stands out and wins)
• How to minimize rental vacancy before you close on a new rental property purchase
• How to find and vet good contractors like a boss (for home remodeling and repairs)
• Battle-tested home remodeling tips for saving serious money and getting the most from your contractors
• How to find great tenants for your rental property in 4 simple steps that take 1 hour or less

Plus: make sure you think about your real estate tax strategy from the very beginning. Check out my post on how to avoid capital gains taxes when selling your house to get up to speed.

Also: learn from some of the best real estate investors in the business from our post: 18 real estate investors share what they wish they knew at college graduation .

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What are my bona fides? I cut my teeth at McKinsey and HGGC private equity (Bain Capital spinout), picking up a CFA along the way, before going into product at LinkedIn, Redfin, Pinterest, and Google. BA from UT-Austin, JD from Harvard Law School. Licensed to practice law in NY, CA, and HI.

These days, I get a kick out of interviewing guests on the HYW podcast about wealth management, tax-planning strategies, and life hacks; getting the occasional dopamine rush after scoring a juicy travel hack award; and showing my hilarious and silly(!) daughter all the tricks she needs to know to have an epic childhood. Read more about my story.

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Breaking news, white house expresses condolences on oj simpson’s death, with no mention of murder victims.

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WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre offered condolences Thursday following the death of OJ Simpson  — but made no mention of the two people he was accused, and sensationally acquitted, of killing nearly three decades ago.

“Our thoughts are with his families [sic] during this difficult time — obviously with his family and loved ones,” Jean-Pierre said at her regular briefing.

“And I’ll say this, I know that they have asked for some privacy. And so we’re going to respect that. And I’ll just leave it there.”

Simpson’s family announced his death from prostate cancer Thursday morning on social media. He was 76.

A star running back at the University of Southern California, Simpson won the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s outstanding college player in 1968 before playing 11 NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills and his hometown San Francisco 49ers.

However, Simpson is best remembered for being arrested and charged in the June 12, 1994, murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman.

Brown had repeatedly accused Simpson — by this time a popular actor, NFL analyst and TV pitchman — of physical abuse during their seven-year marriage, which ended in 1992.

After making arrangements to turn himself in five days after the murders, Simpson instead led police in a bizarre, slow-speed freeway chase, broadcast in primetime across the nation, that ended in his arrest in the driveway of his Brentwood, Calif. mansion.

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The proceedings that followed, dubbed the “Trial of the Century,” are best remembered for Simpson’s “Dream Team” of attorneys, led by Johnnie Cochran, arguing that the arrest and prosecution were fueled by racial animus on the part of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Despite overwhelming physical evidence linking him to the killings, Simpson was found not guilty on Oct. 3, 1995, by a jury made up of nine black panelists, one Hispanic citizen and two white Angelinos. 

Following a civil lawsuit filed by Goldman’s family, a jury found Simpson liable for Brown and Goldman’s deaths in 1997 and ordered him to pay $33.5 million.

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