When the housing market is hot and properties sell as soon as they’re listed, you might have to get creative as a buyer. A home offer letter can help you stand out from the competition and show the current homeowner why you should be the next resident at their address.
If you’re looking for the right way to tell a seller — or their real estate agent — why your offer is the best, you’ll want to craft a compelling home offer letter detailing all your bid’s perks. Today, we’ll discuss the essential elements this document should include and give you a few examples to get you started.
What is a home offer letter?
A home offer letter is a brief statement that introduces you to the seller, details what you’re willing to pay, and gives the homeowners some insight into who you are. It adds a personal touch to an otherwise highly sanitized process. Think of it as a cover letter for your official offer.
When do you write a home offer letter?
In a competitive real estate market, the best time to write a home offer letter is as soon as possible. Cash offers and buyers who waive inspection can easily tempt eager sellers, so you’ll need to act fast to catch their attention.
Who do you write a home offer letter to?
Address your home offer letter directly to the homeowner selling the property. In most cases, they will have the final say over who buys their house.
Can a real estate agent write a home offer letter?
While it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a knowledgeable real estate agent and attorney when writing your offer letter, they won’t be able to capture your voice and achieve the same heartfelt sentiment. In many cases, letters written by a third party can come off as insincere.
How to write a home offer letter
Ready to pen the ultimate home offer letter? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your dream:
1. Make it as personal as possible
An offer letter aims to give the sellers an idea of who you are behind the financial details of any future purchase. Address the homeowner by name and do your best to write in a conversational tone. Remember, this isn’t a formal, legally binding contract. Instead, it’s your chance to humanize the transaction.
2. Tell them about yourself
You’ll need to strike the right balance between brevity and personal information. Don’t write an entire memoir or drone on about every single challenge you’ve overcome throughout your life. Keep it simple, but include a little information about who you are, where you’re from, and what you love about their house. You can even include a family photo so they can put a face to the name.
3. Include the right details
While you don’t need pre-approval from your bank to write a home offer letter, it may help to include the names of your real estate agent, mortgage broker, or financial advisor to lend a bit of legitimacy to your claims. At this point, they only have your word to go on, so make it compelling.
4. Explain your price offer
Of course, a home offer letter is incomplete without including the amount you’re willing to pay for the property. While you shouldn’t point out design choices you’d change or other areas where aesthetic preferences differ, you can explain why your offer accounts for certain repairs or necessary upgrades you’d need to make.
5. Share your thanks in the conclusion
Conclude your home offer letter by telling the seller how much you appreciate their consideration and that you’d love them to entertain your offer. A little gratitude can go a long way.
Home offer letter examples
Here are a few writing samples to demonstrate how a home offer letter might read:
Home offer letter example #1 – Family POV
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
I’m Sam Rogers, and I recently relocated to the area from San Diego with my family. We noticed your home as soon as we arrived and were thrilled to see it listed on the market. As new members of the community, we would love the opportunity to live in your family-friendly neighborhood. After touring your home, we can imagine entertaining in your spacious dining room and becoming a central location for our kids to spend time with new friends. We would like to offer $X for your lovely property. We deeply appreciate your consideration and look forward to your response.
Home offer letter example #2 – Family POV
Mrs. Stanley,
We’re the Parker family – Mike, Sara, Jenny, and Louise – and we’d love to introduce ourselves. We’ve lived in the area for several years and have always dreamed of buying your beautiful home. The layout is perfect for our growing family, and the location offers easy access to the best schools in the area. Previously, we were approved for financing by XYZ Mortgage Company, but the sale fell through due to undisclosed damage to the home. Now, we see what a blessing that was! Please consider our offer of $X. We have attached contact information for our real estate agent and mortgage lender for your convenience.
Home offer letter example #3 – Grandma POV
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove,
My name is Cindy Jones, and I’d like to introduce myself and express my sincere interest in your stunning home. I have two grown children and seven grandchildren who I love hosting for family events. Your property would be ideal for entertaining the whole family while still manageable for a single retiree. Every time I pass your home, I imagine all the preserves I could make with the satsumas from your tree. Please consider my offer of $X, and keep me in mind during the bidding process. I realize you may receive higher offers, but this figure accounts for the costs of replacing the aging roof. I sincerely appreciate your time and hope to hear from you soon.
PS, I can include a jar of homemade satsuma preserves each year to sweeten the deal!
Moving? Find the resources and expert support you need at Red Rover!
Buying a home and moving to a new location can be stressful, but the pros at Red Rover can make it easier. Contact us today to learn more about our professional moving services and on-site storage options!