In a crowded marketplace, homebuyers are doing anything they can to stand apart from the crowd. And while making a smart bid is important, it's not always the highest bidder who wins. Often, it's a personal touch that wins sellers over. 

Our real estate agents have found that writing a personalized offer letter is one of the best ways to make yourself stand out. Here's why it works – and how you can write a great message that puts you at the head of the pack. 

Why Personalized Offer Letters Work

Buying a home is a financial decision, but it's also a personal one. Selling a home is the same way. There are a lot of emotions tied up in the process of selling a house, especially if the seller has lived there for a long time, made a lot of memories, or maybe even raised a family there. In many cases, the seller doesn't just want to sell the house; they want to make sure it's in good hands.

That's where writing a letter comes in. It's an opportunity to make a personal connection with the seller, to let them know that you're the right person to live in their house and that you see the house as more than a collection of rooms – that you care. The personal touch of writing a letter can also give you a leg up if you aren't the highest bidder on the property. Writing a great personalized offer letter is a perfect option if you're in one of these situations: 

• It's a seller's market.
• The home you're looking at is receiving a lot of offers.
• You aren't able to offer the full listing price.
• You're worried about losing a bidding war.

Writing a Great Letter

Writing a letter is an opportunity to convey your feelings about the house, but it's important not to get too swept up in your emotions. Plan your message carefully, and follow these tips to write an offer letter that stands out:

• Seek common ground. Find things you have in common with the seller to help build a connection. It could be something big, like the fact that you're both raising a family, or it could be a small detail, like noticing that you both have a lot of bird feeders in the yard.
• Stay positive. Focus on how much you like the house, and avoid anything that might make you sound desperate, like mentioning how many other houses you've made offers on. 
• Show why you like the house. It's important to convey what you like about the house, and why. Don't gush or be overly flattering, but be clear about what it was that made you fall in love with their home. 
• Keep it short. Include all the information you need to include, but don't go on and on. The last thing you want is for the seller to get tired of reading.
• Don't mention remodeling. If you have it in mind to make any changes or do any remodeling on the house, it's best to leave that out. Afterall the seller might object to your plans. 
• Proofread your letter. Make sure there are no spelling and grammar mistakes. Read the letter out loud to see how it flows.

Contact us today to learn more about making a great offer that no seller can ignore. From start to finish, our real estate agents are here to help you along on your journey toward homeownership.